Harry Huckemeyer

With the summer months being a thing of the past and the Labor Day celebrations at our doorstep, most of the planning for the fall season of 2022 is almost complete, and time moves on rapidly as new opportunities for all fall into place. The Short Line Model Railroad has committed to participate already in a number of events that will bring us close to the December holiday season and are looking forward to an exciting time of the year for all to enjoy, regardless of what their favorite pastimes may be. A brief description for those already scheduled may help keep your calendar current for those who have an interest in model railroading.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, it is just a short trip up the 101. It is a large park that is open to the public. At that park there will be a two-day event scheduled for Oct. 1 and 2, known as the Railfair, hosted by the City of Scottsdale. Exhibits will include several train clubs from the area with operating layouts and a lot of history and extras for the young and old, such as a carousel and a train that runs around the approximate 30 acres of the park. There also is a museum on the property that you won’t want to miss. Admission has always been free, with the exception of a small charge for riding the carousel and the train that circles the property.

Locally, we stretch out to November, where on Nov. 12, the Chandler Railroad Museum will be open to the public offering a large assortment of the many passenger cars of the past, boxcars, and privately owned coaches, with the possibility that, at times, the owners may be available to talk about their adventurous lives in the past. There will be food available, as well as a gift shop, if interested, and much, much more.

Locally, typically in October, the Sun Lakes communities traditionally have a day of Open Houses where there are a number of tables set up by a number of clubs, local service groups, and others, where a variety of items are on display. This is a great way to meet people and get to feel a pulse on all the activities going on in the different areas of the communities. I would double check the times with the local event coordinators and publications that are distributed to the residents of these communities. A quick preview of the dates follows, with the schedules known as they stand today: Sun Lakes Country Club, Oct. 1; Cottonwood, Oct. 8; Oakwood, Oct. 29.

As a club, we are always looking for new members who enjoy getting involved in staying current with all the changes in modern technology that come into play almost daily. If you have an interest, feel free to give me a call at 480-802-4976 or you can text me at 480-600-1349, and I’ll be happy to get back to you ASAP. Have a great day, and enjoy everything that this area has to offer.

Stay safe and stay healthy.