Trains, trains, and more trains!
In November and December, there are lots of local events for train lovers big and small. Here are all the ones I know of. (If you know of any I've left out, please leave a comment.)
Every weekend in November, the Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club at 2505 N. Vancouver Ave., Pdx, will open their doors from 10AM- 5PM to show off their truly spectacular layout! Adults are $6, kids 3-11 are $2, and special VIP behind-the-scenes tours are available for $15 by advanced reservation. If you like model railroads, you will love this one. Plan to have plenty of time to see all the details.
The Mount Hood Model Engineers will be having open houses on Saturdays in November, 12-5PM, at 5500 SE Belmont St., Pdx. They do not charge admission but request a donation. This is a truly special display!
The Aloha and Western Oregon Lines will be hosting an open houses Saturday November 12, 19, and 26 from 10AM-4PM, at 12755 SW Beaverdam Road, Beaverton, OR.
The Mt. Hood Railroad will begin their special "Polar Express" trains November 12 through December 28 for some special Christmas magic. Ticket prices start at $26 for adults and $18 for kids.
Beginning Sunday, November 27, through Sunday, December 18, the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad in Yacolt, WA will start their awesome "Christmas Tree Trains." The trains travel through breathtaking scenery and a spooky tunnel, to arrive at a station where Santa waits with gifts for every child. There you can select a Christmas tree (which will be carefully tagged and brought back in a baggage car), sip hot cider and hot chocolate, and nibble on Christmas cookies. They make this really special. Tree purchases are optional. Definitely worth the drive.
The Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation will be running the "Holiday Express" down at Oaks Park December 2-4 and 9-11, running some amazing, historic locomotives. This annual event is beloved by many.
The Staver Locomotive Holiday "steam-up" is planned for Sunday, December 4, 2PM- 5PM. They are located at 2537 NW 29th Ave, Pdx, in a large industrial building, and operate model "live steamers" that mimic real steam locomotives. "Admission is free, however, Staver Locomotive invites you to make a donation (check, cash, or gift cards) that will support clients of Friendly House’s Services for Seniors and Homeless Families. Help us help the most vulnerable in our community this season. Train lovers young and old will be delighted by the model steam engine trains, decorated for the holidays, charging up and down the custom-built tracks, and over bridges and trestles. Live music, from "These Branches". Hot beverages available." We love this event. Be sure to dress warmly because the warehouse space is not heated!
The Staver Locomotive Holiday "steam-up" is planned for Sunday, December 4, 2PM- 5PM. They are located at 2537 NW 29th Ave, Pdx, in a large industrial building, and operate model "live steamers" that mimic real steam locomotives. "Admission is free, however, Staver Locomotive invites you to make a donation (check, cash, or gift cards) that will support clients of Friendly House’s Services for Seniors and Homeless Families. Help us help the most vulnerable in our community this season. Train lovers young and old will be delighted by the model steam engine trains, decorated for the holidays, charging up and down the custom-built tracks, and over bridges and trestles. Live music, from "These Branches". Hot beverages available." We love this event. Be sure to dress warmly because the warehouse space is not heated!
The Portland Area N-Track Model Railroad Club have a clubhouse at Alpenrose Dairy, 6149 SW Shattuck Rd., Portland, OR, and traditionally have an open house on Sundays in December. Their website has not been updated yet with times for 2011, so check their website.
Last but not least, OMSI will be presenting their annual screening of The Polar Express on the giant IMAX screen beginning November 18. Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for kids and seniors, and members get $1 off IMAX prices.
Last but not least, OMSI will be presenting their annual screening of The Polar Express on the giant IMAX screen beginning November 18. Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for kids and seniors, and members get $1 off IMAX prices.
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