Train-ing Ground: Model Railroading in Lexington

“It’s a fascination with trains,” says Bob Fallier of Hollis, New Hampshire, about what draws people to construct model railroads. “Part of it is just a means by which any of us can explore our talents with mechanical or woodworking or model building.”

“Or it’s just an outlet for your money,” quips Frank Dignan of Carver. “Or lack of it.”

Fallier and Dignan are part of Northeast N-Trak, a model railroading group from eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. “There’s 45 of us in the club at last count,” Dignan says.

They’ll be operating their N-scale layout (1/160^th of actual size, so their train cars are each a few inches long) on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 16 and 17, at the National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington.

“For most of us it starts when you’re 3-years-old and you see a train,” Fallier says, “and it sticks with you for the rest of your life.”