Interest in model trains has varied over decades, even during Christmas. Since the 1950s, television, slot cars, plastic models and other diversions have diluted the attraction of model trains.

A Lionel toy train around the Christmas tree continues to be a fixture of holiday tradition in some families. The iconic American company is about to roll into its 125th anniversary.

Lionel trains turns 125, celebrating more than a century of holiday magic. From historic models to smartphone-controlled locomotives, these iconic toy trains continue to captivate kids and ...

Lovers of model trains eagerly walk through their doors. "When people put up a Christmas tree, they always want to put a train up around it," said Jack Cohen, owner of SW Randall Toyes & Gifts ...

In non-model train speak, he explained, think of one scale mile as "if you were a tiny figure on the layout, and you walked 30 miles on the layout." Basically, a lot.

The model train display first started in the garage — and quickly outgrew the 400-square-foot space. Rob Caves standing next to one of the many train sets he and his fellow hobbyists built. Fiona Ng ...

The Christmas season often is when people opt to explore the model train display at the French Creek Valley Railroad Historical Society’s museum in Meadville. For many, Christmas and model ...

The model train display sprawls across some 1,200 square feet with 25 model trains wending their way through landscapes as diverse as the White House, the Indianapolis skyline and the Grand Canyon.

The model trains are running on Fridays from 6-9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 12-5 p.m. through the end of the year. Entrance is free.

There are plenty of places around the region to take friends and family out for a day (or evening) trip this Christmas season. Here is a listing of lights and train displays, a tree tour and other ...