ABC 27 News
November 21, 2007

Whitaker Center is welcoming the holiday season with it’s first annual model train display.

“A gift of a train for a child is almost a dream come true,” said Whitaker Center’s Steve Bishop. “There’s a natural connection between the holidays and trains.”

The exhibit, on loan from the Strasburg Rail Road, has different themes including a childrens favorite, Thomas the Tank engine, and a holiday favorite, The Polar Express.

“In the film ‘Polar Express,’ there’s a tree and we’ve imitated that design,” Bishop said, “and the train resembles the train that transport kids to the North Pole.”

In addition to checking out the locomotives and Christmas trees that are all decked out, children can use their imagination and build their own model train tracks.

Kids can also climb on board the Whitaker Express and take a ride through a winter wonderland.

“It’s a little model steam engine,” Bishop said. “Parents and kids can ride along. It holds up to 18 people and travels 4 miles an hour.”

It’s a chance for families to spend time together and enjoy the magic of the holiday season.