Many Sun City residents fondly recall the train display at Prairie Lodge. This year, the Model Railroad Club has a special gift for all.
“Our Christmas surprise to the community will be a train layout set up under the tree on Friday, November 25. It will be a G-scale train layout, a project we’ve all been eagerly working on, Joe Vavra announced.
The project coordinators, Dale Svoboda and Mike Nicholson, planned this year’s display and the train’s return.
Svoboda said, “One of our members, Richard Kallstrom, designed the layout and gave us a display sketch. His skills as an artist are remarkable.”
The display is up at the lodge by the library. It is 8 feet by 8 feet, with a white picket face around the tree and the train.
Svoboda said, “Modern technology is assisting us in the display. The train will automatically start running at 9 a.m. and stop at 7 p.m. We have a camera on the display, so I will be notified if there is a problem with the train.”
Model Railroad Club Member Mark Flodin with his winter train display inside Village Hall. (Photo by Christine Such/My Sun Day News)
The tradition of trains encircling the base of the Christmas tree dates back to the late 19th century. This tradition, emerging alongside the rise of the railroads, captures the fascination with locomotives and the spirit of Christmas. It’s a tradition that has been passed down through generations, connecting us to our history and evoking a sense of nostalgia.
The first toy trains rolled out in the 1850s, coinciding with the popularity of Christmas trees in homes. As families adorned their trees with decorations, miniature trains encircling the base were added. These tiny locomotives, often wind-up or electric, symbolized the Industrial Revolution’s advancements with the holiday spirit.
Nicholson said, “There are a few familiar buildings that residents will recognize. It’s one of the restaurants that all will know. The buildings were on display from years before. I saw the display years ago when visiting my wife’s aunt and uncle in Del Webb. I am glad to be part of the club now.”
Vavra said, “As you look at the tree, you will find many ornaments made by member’s wives and one made by the Sunflower Garden Club that identifies our tree.”
Members of the Model Railroad Club poured their talents into this project.
Svoboda said, “Mark Flodin, one of our newest members, has designed some of our new layouts at our location in the lower level of the Millgrove Building. We now have a golf course with golf carts. He also designed a park that now includes the Vietnam Memorial. It’s a tribute to the veterans in our club and Sun City. We had a great turnout for our open house at Halloween. We had over 400 visitors to see our spooky display.”
There’s more to see from the club. Flodin has designed a festive snowy train display at Huntley’s Village Hall. It is worth the trip.
Flodin said, “Christmas always has included a train around the tree. I had a Lionel set when I was a kid. The display showcases three different sizes of model trains, where G scale is the largest, HO scale is medium-sized, and N scale is the smallest.”
The Kishwaukee Valley and Eakin Creek Model Railroad Club of Sun City Huntley invite residents to visit all three displays.
Vavra said, “The club will operate all scale model trains for the community’s viewing enjoyment in our indoor club room. The Polar Express, Santa’s Trolley, and Thomas the Train will be running. It will be a Christmas wonderland. We look forward to sharing this festive season with the Community. We encourage you to visit our displays and experience the joy of the holiday season with us.”
The Sunflower Charter Club, responsible for many decorated trees in the Prairie and Meadow View Lodges, has added its own touch to the train display at the Millgrove Building, 13400 Sun City Blvd.
Paulette Carrion, president of the Sunflower Club, said, “We are so happy to add to the holiday spirit. The train club and its displays give so much to the community.”
The Sunday Holiday Open House dates and times are December 15 from 12-4 p.m. and December 22 from 12-4 p.m. During your visit, you will see The World’s Smallest Golf Course, Thunder Mountain, Riverview Park, a passenger subway, and many small-town communities decorated for the Holiday. Admission is free, but consider donating.
If you want to join the club and participate in its activities, please contact Joe Vavra at joe.vavra@outlook.com.
