30th annual Model Train Show returns to the Kern County Fairgrounds
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Grab your family and your caboose because it’s full steam ahead to the annual Model Train Show which kicked off at the Kern County Fairgrounds this weekend.
Train enthusiasts came together for their love of locomotives on Saturday, March 2. Move over Thomas; get ready to feast your eyes on 20,000 square feet and 94 tables of live operating railroads with all the bells and whistles.
Kern County’s biggest Model Train Show is back for its 30th year and so are the engineers.
“A model railroader is an artist, a historian, an electrician, a carpenter and a landscaper,” said Steve Cole.
The Golden Empire Historical and Modeling Society hosts the annual event at the Kern County Fairgrounds, where everyone is a kid at heart.
“Actually, my grandson got me into it,” said Richard Gauthier with the Model Train Society.
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This is Richard Gauthier’s second year at the model train show. He loves the connection with his grandson and the challenge of building his own set.
“It’s way more detailed than I ever thought, learning about all the various trains and different models,” said Gauthier.
It can also cost a ton of cash. Steve Cole designs his own moving dioramas and says each train engine or cart can cost $20 to $400 each.
“It makes you happy and you get the satisfaction of building something, putting a lot of attention to it, then getting to see it run,” said Cole.
The Model Train Show will be open Sunday, March 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission for adults is $8 and kids 12 years old or younger get in free.
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