Zelienople’s Model Train Club celebrates small town USA
ZELIENOPLE — On Saturday, the Model Train Club of Zelienople invited the community to its smaller Main Street USA in celebration of Independence Day.
With more than 250 feet of O-gauge track, the club paid tribute to patriotism, parades and people who served in the military.
The display took up most of the Masonic Temple Lodge at 330 E. Beaver St. and featured multiple trains and local landmarks.
Matt Beahm, a member of the train club, said this is its first Fourth of July display, but the club’s fourth display for the community this year.
“We were able to showcase the Zelienople parade,” he said. “What’s big in the parades are the floats, and we have the Resurrection Band float and cars. Zelienople is like Small Town USA and other small towns across America. We thought it’d be nice to be part of that.”
In addition to the miniature patriotic porches and spinning model planes, the club had created a “replica of a replica” Tomb of the Unknown Solider, which a toy soldier patrolled, to commemorate the the traveling tomb’s visit to the borough. The tomb was in Zelienople’s Four Corners Park over the weekend.
“I think my favorite is the tomb,” Beahm said. “We also have the Father Rapp’s Seat, a landmark in Harmony.”
The display also featured a gunsmith shop dedicated to Charles Flowers, of Harmony, moving contraptions that unloaded barrels from train cars and Army tanks.
Dale Krysinski, a club member, said all 20 members contributed to the display. Whether it was construction, wiring, or setting up the raffle baskets.
“It’s just gotten bigger and better every time,” he said.
Doug Moore and his daughter, Alivia, of Evans City, were driving past the Masonic Lodge when they saw the sign for the train display. They said they had to stop.
“I grew up playing with trains and went to displays with my grandpa,” Moore said. “Anytime I see a show it reminds me of him and building trains with him. With Independence Day, this is a nice way to celebrate.”
Alivia said the tomb display was her favorite, as she learned about the traditions of the Tomb Guards from her history teacher.
“I did learn something else, that some of the trains are 50 or 60 years old,” she said.
Krysinski said the club is growing all the time, and that its members keep making the displays for the community to enjoy.
“A lady came in earlier and was taking pictures. Her husband who passed away really liked trains, and she wanted to come. I think the best part is maybe reliving the memories. Many people see this stuff and they’re reminded of good memories,” he said.
Beahm said anyone can take part in the club; you don’t even need a train set.
“All ages welcome and all skill levels. Everybody contributes in a different way,” he said.
It’s the friendship that makes Krysinski love the club so much.
“It’s definitely the camaraderie and fellowship. A year ago, I only knew (Beahm) liked this stuff. Now I have 18 new friends that have similar interests I do,” he said.
The Model Train Club of Zelienople is always accepting members. For more information visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MTCofZ or email the club at MTCofZ@gmail.com.
