Merchants Square Model Train Exhibit
The first steam locomotive roared down steel tracks in 1830, and all who saw this cutting edge technology were filled with awe at the sheer force of the thing. Miniatures of steam locomotives and train cars were soon sold as souvenirs and model train collecting was born. In the 1880′s, model train collecting came into its own as a hobby and really took off in the 1920′s when department stores began including them in their Christmas window displays. Accuracy is the aim of model railroaders and they focus on every imaginable aspect of railroad history and operations.
Allentown, PA's Morning Call newspaper raved about the Merchants Square Model Train Exhibit:
"...the world's most amazing model train extravaganza. If you think I'm exaggerating, take a look... The main display is more than 78 feet long and 36 feet wide and other displays are only somewhat smaller, with more model trains than I could count and hundreds of intricately detailed and electrified little buildings and other structures... In the middle of its biggest display (is) a 16 by 24 foot lake with real water, and overhead puffy clouds... produce real rain.
One display has a ski resort in the background with tiny skiers schussing down the slopes (they actually move). A farm is so realistic, one of the outbuildings has a roof that's collapsing with age. In coming years, I'm pretty sure every model train enthusiast will seek inspiration in south Allentown, where magic is also building momentum."
- Thirty-thousand lights, stars, moon, and illuminated buildings
- A huge 24′ x 16′ lake with scale rainfall, thunder, and lightning
- 40 model trains including:
- 4 underground subways (visible through glass)
- 5 elevated trains
- 4 pantograph electric trains
- Steam and diesel trains
Featured Railroad Logos:
- Lehigh Valley, Jersey Central, Reading, Lehigh and New England, New York Central, Pennsylvania Railroad, New Haven railroad, Amtrack, and Septa in "0" gauge semi-scale, "0" gauge scale and HO scale.
- A large scale railroad yard complete with Roundhouse, Turntable, and Engine Maintenance complex
- A 60-piece operating amusement park and operating drive-in movie theater
- A ski area featuring 20 operating ski rides and skating ponds
- Over 1,000 structures. Scratch built and commercial, featuring Bernard Steinmacher buildings - hand made, individually hand crafted
- Each children's birthday party is 90 minutes
- We provide the food, which is pizza, $25 per 24 square pie
We throw in:
- Soda
- Lemonade
- Fruit Punch
- Water
- all paper products, cups, utensils
- 50% deposit required when booking your child's birthday party, and remainder due at conclusion of party
- Special birthday party prices on Model Train Exhibit merchandise
There are model train enthusiasts, and then there is Rod Stewart... (He) insists on a backstage area where he can set up tracks before concerts. His crowning achievement is a complete replica of New York's Grand Central Station in his house, comprised of 100 feet of track, dozens of locomotives and carriages, skyscrapers and hundreds of passengers in 1940s dress. The set was featured on the cover of Model Railroader - an honor he once said would "mean more to me than the cover of Rolling Stone."
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