Events in May–July 2022

  • - LEGO® Trains (Day 1)
    LEGO® Trains (Day 1)

    LEGO® Trains (Day 1)


    May 7, 2022

    The Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area LEGO® Train Club (WamaLTC) will run LEGO® trains at the Museum on May 7 from 12pm to 4pm and on May 8 from 1pm to 4pm. This special event is sure to draw a large crowd so plan on coming early! Normal admission charges will apply, but all mothers will receive free admission on Sunday! Also, if you have any LEGO® pieces you know longer need or want, please bring them to donate to WamaLTC to enable them to continue to create these wonderful and amazing displays. Thank you!

     

  • - LEGO® Trains (Day 2)
    LEGO® Trains (Day 2)

    LEGO® Trains (Day 2)


    May 8, 2022

    The Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area LEGO® Train Club (WamaLTC) will run LEGO® trains at the Museum on May 8 from 1pm to 4pm. This special event is sure to draw a large crowd so plan on coming early! Normal admission charges will apply, but all mothers will receive free admission on Sunday! Also, if you have any LEGO® pieces you know longer need or want, please bring them to donate to WamaLTC to enable them to continue to create these wonderful and amazing displays. Thank you!

     

  • - NTRAK Model Trains Running!
    NTRAK Model Trains Running!

    NTRAK Model Trains Running!


    May 15, 2022

    Northern Virginia NTRAK Club will be running trains at the Museum! NTRAK was originally established as an NTRAK club in 1991. NTRAK is a modular railroad system based on standards developed by the NTRAK Modular Railroading Society. The basic philosophy behind NTRAK modular design is that it allows the N-scale modeler to build a basic unit, affectionately called a “plain old four footer” or POFF, and to participate in N-scale model train layouts with other N-scale model railroaders.

    The basic NTRAK module is two feet wide, four feet long and 40 inches high. The standards provide for the placement of the three rail main lines (Red, Yellow, and Blue) and the recommended wiring standards to allow for the joining together of unlimited numbers of other similarly designed NTRAK modules. The modular design of the NTRAK also provides for mountain train lines and passing sidings; allowing for a variety set up options. The basic three mainline design permits the operation of at least one train per line at all times. Additional trains can be run using block controls for analog operation or using digital command control throttles.

    As always, we have openings for new volunteers and would love to discuss volunteer opportunities with you on site that day or right now by filling out the form on our new website!

    Fairfax Station Railroad Museum
    11200 Fairfax Station Road
    Fairfax Station, VA 22039
  • - HO Scale Model Trains Running!
    HO Scale Model Trains Running!

    HO Scale Model Trains Running!


    May 29, 2022

    The Potomac Module Crew will display HO model trains (Day 1 of 2)!

    The Potomac Module Crew consists of model railroaders in the greater DC area who have an interest in modular model railroading. We model in HO Scale. A module is a section of a model railroad built to a minimal set of standard dimensions, track locations, and electrical connections. We use the NMRA Module Standard that supports modeling in all scales (O, HO, N, and Z scale). The basic standards cover:

        • The distance from the end of the module to the main track,
        • The height of the top of the rail from the floor,
        • The number of common tracks and the distance between them,
        • The electrical connections between modules

    The type of scenery displayed is determined by the imagination and creativity of the builder. The scene depicted on a module can be anything: rural, industrial, agricultural, urban, mountainous, prairie-like, or any combination. The time period modeled is also left up to the wishes of the modeler.

    The use of modules enables the creation of a section of railroad without a major investment in time, space or money. For example, creating a module using only straight track and using the standard dimensions of 2' x 4' can be made for about $50.00. Installing the minimal amount of track and electrical items will add about another $30.00 to the overall cost. Building modules is a great way to develop and improve key modelling skills such as laying track, ballasting track, performing basic electrical wiring, and creating scenery before building your dream layout. A module is also easy to transport and store when not in use.

    As always, we have openings for new volunteers and would love to discuss volunteer opportunities with you on site that day or right now by filling out the form on our new website!

    Fairfax Station Railroad Museum
    11200 Fairfax Station Road
    Fairfax Station, VA 22039
  • - HO Scale Model Trains Running!
    HO Scale Model Trains Running!

    HO Scale Model Trains Running!


    May 30, 2022

    The Potomac Module Crew will display HO model trains (Day 2 of 2)!

    The Potomac Module Crew consists of model railroaders in the greater DC area who have an interest in modular model railroading. We model in HO Scale. A module is a section of a model railroad built to a minimal set of standard dimensions, track locations, and electrical connections. We use the NMRA Module Standard that supports modeling in all scales (O, HO, N, and Z scale). The basic standards cover:

        • The distance from the end of the module to the main track,
        • The height of the top of the rail from the floor,
        • The number of common tracks and the distance between them,
        • The electrical connections between modules

    The type of scenery displayed is determined by the imagination and creativity of the builder. The scene depicted on a module can be anything: rural, industrial, agricultural, urban, mountainous, prairie-like, or any combination. The time period modeled is also left up to the wishes of the modeler.

    The use of modules enables the creation of a section of railroad without a major investment in time, space or money. For example, creating a module using only straight track and using the standard dimensions of 2' x 4' can be made for about $50.00. Installing the minimal amount of track and electrical items will add about another $30.00 to the overall cost. Building modules is a great way to develop and improve key modelling skills such as laying track, ballasting track, performing basic electrical wiring, and creating scenery before building your dream layout. A module is also easy to transport and store when not in use.

    As always, we have openings for new volunteers and would love to discuss volunteer opportunities with you on site that day or right now by filling out the form on our new website!

    Fairfax Station Railroad Museum
    11200 Fairfax Station Road
    Fairfax Station, VA 22039
  • - T-TRAK Model Trains Running!
    T-TRAK Model Trains Running!

    T-TRAK Model Trains Running!


    June 12, 2022

    Northern Virginia NTRAK will set up and run trains on a T-TRAK layout.
    T-TRAK is an N scale modular train system designed to be run on table tops, hence its name. Originally developed in Germany in 1962, N scale model trains (generally 1:160) are about half the size of HO trains (1:87). Its small size is popular among model train enthusiasts in Japan, Australia, Europe, and the United States. The modular aspect of N scale permits different track layouts for every set up.

    Fairfax Station Railroad Museum
    11200 Fairfax Station Road
    Fairfax Station, VA 22039
  • - NTRAK Model Trains Running!
    NTRAK Model Trains Running!

    NTRAK Model Trains Running!


    June 19, 2022

    Northern Virginia NTRAK Club will be running trains at the Museum! NTRAK was originally established as an NTRAK club in 1991. NTRAK is a modular railroad system based on standards developed by the NTRAK Modular Railroading Society. The basic philosophy behind NTRAK modular design is that it allows the N-scale modeler to build a basic unit, affectionately called a “plain old four footer” or POFF, and to participate in N-scale model train layouts with other N-scale model railroaders.

    The basic NTRAK module is two feet wide, four feet long and 40 inches high. The standards provide for the placement of the three rail main lines (Red, Yellow, and Blue) and the recommended wiring standards to allow for the joining together of unlimited numbers of other similarly designed NTRAK modules. The modular design of the NTRAK also provides for mountain train lines and passing sidings; allowing for a variety set up options. The basic three mainline design permits the operation of at least one train per line at all times. Additional trains can be run using block controls for analog operation or using digital command control throttles.

    As always, we have openings for new volunteers and would love to discuss volunteer opportunities with you on site that day or right now by filling out the form on our new website!

  • - NTRAK Model Trains Running!
    NTRAK Model Trains Running!

    NTRAK Model Trains Running!


    July 17, 2022

    Northern Virginia NTRAK Club will be running trains at the Museum! NTRAK was originally established as an NTRAK club in 1991. NTRAK is a modular railroad system based on standards developed by the NTRAK Modular Railroading Society. The basic philosophy behind NTRAK modular design is that it allows the N-scale modeler to build a basic unit, affectionately called a “plain old four footer” or POFF, and to participate in N-scale model train layouts with other N-scale model railroaders.

    The basic NTRAK module is two feet wide, four feet long and 40 inches high. The standards provide for the placement of the three rail main lines (Red, Yellow, and Blue) and the recommended wiring standards to allow for the joining together of unlimited numbers of other similarly designed NTRAK modules. The modular design of the NTRAK also provides for mountain train lines and passing sidings; allowing for a variety set up options. The basic three mainline design permits the operation of at least one train per line at all times. Additional trains can be run using block controls for analog operation or using digital command control throttles.

    As always, we have openings for new volunteers and would love to discuss volunteer opportunities with you on site that day or right now by filling out the form on our new website!

    Fairfax Station Railroad Museum
    11200 Fairfax Station Road
    Fairfax Station, VA 22039
  • - Garden Railway Trains!
    Garden Railway Trains!

    Garden Railway Trains!


    July 24, 2022

    Washington, Virginia and Maryland Garden Railway Society is running trains outside, weather permitting! Garden Railroading is simply this: take a garden, lay some track through it (yes outdoors) and operate the trains in and amongst the plants. This simple explanation tends to elicit many questions. Model railroading in the U.S. was so deeply entrenched in electrically powered trains that the thought of running these trains outdoors seemed odd or even dangerous to some. In 1968 a German toy manufacturer decided to use a scale and gauge of model trains that had not been actively modeled since the late 1800’s, and developed large weatherproof electric trains with sealed components. This allowed trains to be set up outside on the lawn and to be operated by children with ease. This, of course, intrigued a few model railroaders to take this idea further, and to build more intricate railways complete with buildings, miniature plants and natural landscapes. Garden railroading is a way to create miniature wonderlands in and amongst our everyday surroundings.

     

    Fairfax Station Railroad Museum
    11200 Fairfax Station Road
    Fairfax Station, VA 22039
  • - HO Scale Model Trains Running!
    HO Scale Model Trains Running!

    HO Scale Model Trains Running!


    July 31, 2022

    The Potomac Module Crew will display HO Model Trains

    The Potomac Module Crew consists of model railroaders in the greater DC area who have an interest in modular model railroading. We model in HO Scale. A module is a section of a model railroad built to a minimal set of standard dimensions, track locations, and electrical connections. We use the NMRA Module Standard that supports modeling in all scales (O, HO, N, and Z scale). The basic standards cover:

        • The distance from the end of the module to the main track,
        • The height of the top of the rail from the floor,
        • The number of common tracks and the distance between them,
        • The electrical connections between modules

    The type of scenery displayed is determined by the imagination and creativity of the builder. The scene depicted on a module can be anything: rural, industrial, agricultural, urban, mountainous, prairie-like, or any combination. The time period modeled is also left up to the wishes of the modeler.

    The use of modules enables the creation of a section of railroad without a major investment in time, space or money. For example, creating a module using only straight track and using the standard dimensions of 2' x 4' can be made for about $50.00. Installing the minimal amount of track and electrical items will add about another $30.00 to the overall cost. Building modules is a great way to develop and improve key modelling skills such as laying track, ballasting track, performing basic electrical wiring, and creating scenery before building your dream layout. A module is also easy to transport and store when not in use.

    As always, we have openings for new volunteers and would love to discuss volunteer opportunities with you on site that day or right now by filling out the form on our new website!