Boy Scout Troop 964 model train show to offer family fun, food, merit badges

On March 7 and 8, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Boy Scout Troop 964 will have our 17th annual train show. Every year we hold the model train show to raise the necessary funds for troop activities.

This year’s train show will be held at Saunders Middle School, the same place we held our first train show 17 years ago. Since then it has grown to entice train clubs and people from all around Virginia!

We will have layouts for every scale, from the enormous G to the miniscule Z.

Our largest layout is the HO layout, to which multiple modular model railroad clubs and groups contribute. The layout averages over 120 personal and Boy Scout modules, containing over 500 feet of mainline track.

It takes about 45 minutes for one train to go an entire circuit. The Prince William Model Railroad Club and several others from around the area all help build and maintain the layout. The track modules range from forests and valleys to big cities, from military bases to SpongeBob Squarepants’ Bikini Bottom.

Our other giant of a layout, and probably most popular train “scale” is the LEGO layout. A local club put together this wonderful layout made entirely from LEGOs. This layout is as diverse as LEGO itself. Full of working trains, imaginative stores, beautifully built houses, as well as Raptors, Spongebob characters, and robots trying to take over the world.

Kids will get a real joy from switching between looking at the trains to admiring the wonderful scenery and funny little jokes. Adult LEGO fanatics will also find love in this layout for its exquisite architecture, explicit use of pieces and the enormous amount of creativity.

The other scales feature different attractions of their own. The G scale (“garden railroading”) trains offer BIG time fun. The Z scale layout features a working miniature drive-in movie. The N scale layout has an entire working N scaled amusement park. There will also be a large-scale LIVE STEAM locomotive.

Once you have had your fill of trains, come to the “Club Car” (located in the cafeteria) and have your fill of food. We will feature American favorites such as hot dogs, nachos, and more. What is more fitting for an event about the ride that connected America? The Club Car just so happens to be right next to the kid’s corner. Grab a bite and relax while watching your child laugh and play with Thomas the Tank Engine train sets and more.

If you know a Boy Scout who would like to learn the Railroad Merit Badge, then we have something for him: counselors and classes for the Railroad Merit Badge. Classes will run from noon to 4 p.m. It’s $25 for scouts to join (admission and supplies included, except food or drink). All scouts must have eaten lunch and be on site by noon for check-in. We will teach all the requirements for the merit badge.

The classes are Operation Lifesaver, Railroading Industry, Car Building, Time Tables and Scheduling and tours of all the trains layouts. Please visit our website at troop964.com for registration forms and contact info.

Door prizes will also be offered, from train sets to gift certificates and scouting equipment. Two chances come free with admission, with more chances available for $1. An HO scale railroad car (custom-printed for our event) will also be available for purchase.

You can support the troop while you enjoy this amazing experience with the small admission of $7 for adults, $3 for children and seniors, and children 5 and under are free!

Please come and have fall in love with this show and the world of TRAINS as we have at Troop 964.