Litchfield’s local model railroad club will host the 23rd annual Holiday Season Open House during this year’s Magical Christmas celebration.
As in prior years, the event is open to the public and kids of all ages. Over the years, over 6000 people have enjoyed the Holiday event and a few thousand more have toured the layout throughout the year since it opened in 1998.
The HO scale model train layout has a permanent home in the rear portion of the building located at 510 N. State Street in Litchfield. The front of the grey brick building has been the home to the local Ameriprise Financial offices operated by Lonnie Bathurst, John Winans and Jimmy Gorowski. The layout features scenes from central Illinois set in the 1950’s through the 1970’s as electric trains travel from southern Illinois to Chicagoland. Normally the group features hundreds of cars and locomotives on display and simultaneously operates 4 to 6 long freight and passenger trains all running at the same time.
The club will be open from 3:00 pm Saturday during the celebration until the parade starts at 6:00 pm. There will be the customary $1.00 donation for entry that will be given to a local charity. Pre-schooler-age children are free.