For decades, model railroading has captured the imagination of creators and dreamers, turning tiny tracks into worlds of wonder. On Thursday, August 27, the Model Railroad Club at Sun City Huntley is inviting residents to step behind the control panel and bring these miniature wonders to life.
Hosting its open house from 6-8 p.m. at the Millgrove Building (13400 Sun City Blvd), the club’s “Give the Trains a Try” event delivers a hands-on opportunity to operate the trains.
The event marks a major milestone for the Kishwaukee Valley & Eakin Creek Model Railroad Club, which was established within the Del Webb Sun City Huntley community to bring together residents with a common enthusiasm for railroading. From its early days, the club focused on building a welcoming setting where members could build, operate, and share their layouts while protecting the history, engineering, and craftsmanship of the hobby.
Over time, that small group of enthusiasts grew into something exceptional. Today, Sun City Huntley is home to one of the few railroad clubs operating layouts in all four major model train scales simultaneously.
“From our large outdoor G scale layout to our detailed indoor O, HO, and N scale displays, there is always something running and always something being built here,” says club president Dale Svoboda. “Our members explore different eras and styles of railroading. Many of our layouts beautifully reflect mid-20th-century operations, back when steam and diesel locomotives ran side by side.”
As the club expanded, so did the breathtaking level of detail in their designs. The layouts incorporate custom-built structures, realistic scenery, and community-inspired features that mimic real-world landscapes. At the open house, the main emphasis of the night will be their fully operational, award-winning HO Scale layout. Attendees will not just stand on the sidelines; they will receive personalized, hands-on instructions on how to run the elaborate system themselves. Guided tours of the various indoor model railroad setups will also run throughout the evening.
Beyond the tracks, the club has become part of the fabric of the local community. It regularly hosts public open houses and vibrant seasonal displays, bringing visitors from across the region. It also serves an educational role, collaborating alongside local organizations and students on layout improvements and advanced model design projects.
“The club welcomes men and women of all experience levels who share an interest in model railroading and hands-on, social hobbies,” explains cice president Maury Fisher. “Whether you happen to be a seasoned hobbyist or completely new to the realm of model trains, you are invited to join and become part of our community. We are constantly evolving, maintaining our layouts, and fostering a common appreciation for history.”
If you have any questions about the event or are interested in joining the club, kindly contact president Dale Svoboda at dsvoboda63@att.net or vice president Maury Fisher at maury@pcmedicinc.com.
