Open house at the Lehigh/Keystone Model Railroad Museum on Linden Street in Bethlehem is a true treat for railroad enthusiasts of all ages.

The featured trains Dec. 14 were Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. Other weekends feature specific train types such as passenger trains, steam trains, 50s, 60s and 70s era trains and modern trains. Club members are available, all eager to answer questions and share their knowledge of model trains.

Gif Sander, a member for two years, explained the concept of selective compression, a technique used by model railroaders to fit large real-world elements into the limited space of a model layout. Elements such as towns, industries and landscapes are designed smaller but still maintain the integrity of the original area.

Club member Colin Kund referred to this as “Modelers License,” combining history, art, engineering and creativity to permit the train collector to reimagine the world of train transport in miniature form.

This layout of the Lehigh Valley has been 20 years in the making. Club members have tenaciously created the layout in HO scale. It depicts the route of the Lehigh Valley Railroad during the period 1950 to 1976, from West Portal, N.J. to Bethlehem. The local landmarks have been recreated from vintage photographs. The layout is over 5,000 square feet and is double decked, consisting of about 7,000 feet of track and over 250 turnouts (150 are powered).

Excitement builds while visitors wait to see the mighty little replicas emerge from a tunnel or appear around a mountain bend. Parents, introducing children to miniature trains for the first time share their excitement. Others recall fond memories of trains from the past.

All families, familiar or not, are creating a new tradition together.

Visit lkvmodelrailroad.com for more information.