Once upon a time in the village of Garden Spot, a group of young-at-heart train enthusiasts began to build a railroad.

Before long, as more and more villagers came aboard, the Garden Spot Village Train Club was born.

Each year, visitors come from near and far to view the magical model train display at the club's annual Holiday Open House at the New Holland retirement community.

This year's event will take place from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 26 and Jan. 2.

"Our first open house in 2004 brought several hundred people. Last year, we had 2,500," said Mike Lanyon, who has been a club member for seven years.

Lanyon admits there's a lot to see, and every year the 20-member club adds more to the display.

Nestled among mountains and valleys, tunnels and streams is 1,300 feet of railroad track, which carry the chugging, whistle-blowing engines to their destinations.

The club has spent almost a decade perfecting the magical setting and scenery for the HO-gauge display with its three trains and two trolleys and the O-gauge display with its two trains, one trolley and bumper car.

Attention to detail is evident, with entertaining slice-of-life scenes along the tracks. Roses grow in a garden; road apples lay behind a parked horse and buggy; a lady beats a carpet hung on a wash line; and kids get treats at an ice cream truck, to name a few.

Millard "Fitz" Fitzgerald has been with the club three years and does a lot of the intricate scenery featuring people, flowers, street lights, manholes, houses, etc.

"My grandfather was a train engineer, and I've always been interested in trains," he said. "Working on the display is a fun hobby."

Tom Hawk, one of the newest club members, also had an interest in trains since his father briefly worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad. He said working on the display brings back memories of Sunday afternoon train-watching when he was young. 

New this year is a water reservoir in the freight yard to supply the towers discharging water into waiting engine tenders. There's also a new large factory building. 

 

An engine turntable in the switching yard positions engines in a 12-stall roundhouse with lights over each door that change from green to red when a stall is occupied.

Joe Cruz, an eight-year member, has been working on a new display board that shows the HO turnout positions.

There's also an HO-gauge  replica of the DeWitt Clinton train, which made its maiden run Aug. 9, 1831.

A favorite for children is Thomas the Tank Engine, who travels the track through Thomasville.

The club has added a park to the hillside overlooking Thomasville and houses reminiscent of San Francisco's famous "painted ladies" or "postcard row."

Kids also can sit in a Thomas the Tank Engine replica and have photos taken by their parents.

While admission to the open house is free, Cruz said that donations are accepted and can be placed in a red caboose for ongoing work on the train display.

"We invite everyone to come and enjoy the Garden Spot Village Train Club's Open House," Lanyon said.

Garden Spot Village is located at 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland. For information, call 355-6000.