Harry Huckemeyer

With the new year moving right along, February is a time of planning and getting prepared for all the good things that are in store for us in the upcoming days ahead. For starters, we can usually count on Mother Nature to provide us with the type of weather where we can make plans with confidence and enjoy the great outdoors during these next special months of the year. For many of us involved in the world of model railroading, February is the time of planning and preparing for the busy months and events ahead that will take us right up to the start of summer.

The Short Line Model Railroad Club is getting an early start this year, as we’re planning on getting involved with this year’s upcoming Arizona Railroad Day. This an annual event is scheduled this year for Feb. 29 at the Chandler Railroad Museum. This large dedicated area is located in the southwest area of Tumbleweed Park and can be accessed off Ryan Road. If you plan on attending, bring your walking shoes, as it covers a large area and there are many things from the past to not only see, but also walk through reminiscing the past, as many of the cars will be open on this special day. This typically draws large crowds, so I suggest you plan ahead, as parking also can become a problem. The Railroad Museum is open to the general public on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

For those hobbyists interested, there are a couple of train swap meets coming up in February in our surrounding area. If you’ve never experienced any of these, it may be a fun way to spend a few hours and bring back some of your fonder memories of the past. The Sun City Model Railroad Club will be holding its swap meet on Feb. 8 at the Fairway Recreation Center in Sun City. At the North Phoenix Baptist Church off Central Ave., they will have a swap meet on Feb. 22. For the ladies, typically on the same grounds as the church on Saturdays, they have a fine Farmer’s Market available to all. Both of these swap meets come highly recommended. Have a great day, and if you have any questions, feel free to call 480-802-4976 or email me at [email protected].