TRAINing Day
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About
The TRAINing Day event is designed as an interactive, family-friendly program that brings together railroad enthusiasts, model builders, and preservation advocates for an afternoon of education and engagement. Hosted by the National Railway Historical Society of Northern Kentucky–Cincinnati & The Ludlow Heritage Museum, this event blends safety awareness, hands-on learning, and historical appreciation into a single, memorable experience.
Purpose
TRAINing Day aims to:
· Promote railroad safety awareness through collaboration with Operation Lifesaver.
· Introduce families and hobbyists to the basics of model railroading.
· Encourage the preservation of historic railroad artifacts and foster appreciation for railway heritage.
Railroad Safety: Understand the importance of safe practices around tracks and crossings.
Learning Highlights
Model Railroading: Gain foundational skills in layout design, wiring, and scenery creation.
Preservation Techniques: Learn how to handle and maintain historical railway artifacts.
Community Engagement: Connect with local historians, modelers, and preservationists.
Programming Schedule
8:00
AM
Welcome and Registration
Check-in, distribution of name tags, and event materials.
8:30
AM
8:30
AM
Operation Lifesaver Safety Session
9:00
AM
Certified presenters teach essential railroad safety principles for pedestrians, motorists, and hobbyists.
9:00
AM
Model Railroading Basics Workshop
12:00
PM
Learn layout design, track planning, scenery building, and electrical setup from experienced model railroaders.
12:00
PM
1:00
PM
Lunch Break
1:00
3:00
Afternoon Workshops
PM
PM
PM
3:00
PM
Hands-on demonstration on cleaning, cataloging, and storing historic railroad items.
Q&A Panel
4:00
4:00
PM
Families collaborate to assemble a small working model layout using provided materials.
PM
4:30
Closing Remarks
Recap and feedback collection.
Registration Details
Enrollment Fee:
Free for current National Railway Historical Society Members
$25.00 Donation for non-members (includes materials and refreshments)
Donation applies to one year membership to the National Railway Historical Society & Ludlow Heritage Museum.
Registration Limit: 45 participants
How to Register: Visit the National Railway Historical Society of Northern Kentucky-Cincinnati webpage or email
Deadline: Registrations close once capacity is reached
Additional Information
Participants are encouraged to bring their own small model train cars or memorabilia for discussion during the preservation session. All safety materials, tools, and supplies for the workshops will be provided.
We have great support from local hobby shops that donate or sell items at cost. We also have members donate structures or who show how to assemble structures.
Model Railroading: A Creative Process Clinic and A Chance to Win a Model Railroad!
The highlight of the program is the construction of a 4 X 4 HO scale layout. Structures are pre-constructed in advance as well as framing being prefabricated. Learning opportunities at the clinic include:
Basic Designing
Track Laying
Wiring
Basic Scenery
Operations
Maintenance
Everyone in this portion of the program is encouraged to dive in and help construct the layout, working under the guidance of two experienced division members.
Children eight years of age up to adults are welcome to participate with a paying adult. Participants received a ticket which puts them in the running of winning the complete layout to take home. Winners must be present at the time of drawing.
This TRAINing Day event offers a unique opportunity for families and enthusiasts to learn, create, and preserve together celebrating the spirit of railroading while ensuring its safe and enduring legacy