Saturday, May 8 marks the third annual National Train Day celebration sponsored by Amtrak. The goal of the event is to promote a better understanding of the need for good rail service and its impact on everyday life. National Train Day is about more than lobbying for more passenger trains however. Programs run the gamut from train equipment displays, to talks on topics as diverse as railroading's environmental impact to trains and baseball, and yes, model trains too.
In addition to Amtrak events at cities across the country, dozens of museums, historical societies and clubs will be hosting special programs. So whether you attend a program, go out and watch trains, or spend some time on a train-related project with your family, share your love of all things railroad and join the celebration!
There are even more events planned nationwide. The abbreviated list here provides just a few highlights of the diverse programs offered. From train rides to seminars, art shows to concerts, model train layouts to children's story times, National Train Day events are being held at museums, libraries, stations, universities and a zoo!
Can't make it to one of the events? There are lots of activities you can do on your own. Trains have become so much a part of our popular culture, you can easily incorporate them into just about any hobby; music, movies, painting, scrapbooking, toys… Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Kids:
Crafts:
- About.com's Cross-Stitch Guide, Connie Barwick has some interesting train-themed patterns including railroad signs and more.
- Miniature's Guide, Lesley Shepherd has a treasure-trove of ideas that will be useful to model railroaders, including printable O scale building kits.
