BY CHERYL SHUMWAY
North Country This Week

 MASSENA – Model train layouts filled the Massena Arena last weekend for the Annual Model Train, Toy & Collectible Expo.

The event drew hundreds over people of all ages over the two-day event.

Attendees could see more than seven operating model train layouts of different sizes and gauges. Many vendors and a clinic on model railroad scenery were also available.

Norwood Model Railroad Club’s modular model train setup, which took center stage, was a team effort.The layout was 40 x 32 feet.

“It is the largest model set-up we have ever put together at one time. Members own their own 2x4 ft. sections that we can hook up together. Some members are great at building structures, some are good at scenery or electrical. We learn from each other,” said club founder Tom Jarvis, Norwood.

Another popular attraction was the free miniature outdoor train ride, offered by Kenny Friedel, of Potsdam.

“It is my personal train. It’s my hobby gone crazy, with doing the train show circuit,” said Friedel.

Several train sets came from residents outside St. Lawrence County. Cape Vincent residents Don St. Onge, Malcom Jones and Bob Sixberry each had trains on display.

“Model trains are a never-ending hobby. It’s really about comradery - the people you meet. We help each other,” said Jones.

“It’s all about having a good time,” said Sixberry.

Norwood Model Railroad Club President, Jim Shaw, said the club is looking for new, young adults to join. The club meets once a month in Norwood. If interested, contact Jim Shaw at shawjms@yahoo.com or call 315-250-0071, or contact Tom Jarvis at jarvistom@ymail.com or call 315-267-6945.

 [img_assist|nid=327254|title=Ed Lalonde, Louisville, shows Sue Cooley, CT, the Norwood Model Railroad Club’s modular model train setup, a large train made up of a combination of trains owned by its members, at the Annual Model Train, Toy & Collectible Expo. |desc=|link=none|align=middle|width=907|height=900]

[img_assist|nid=327255|title=Bob Sixberry, Cape Vincent, is one of several train enthusiasts displaying his train at the 13th Annual Model Train, Toy & Collectible Expo.|desc=|link=none|align=middle|width=1071|height=900]

[img_assist|nid=327256|title=Tom Jarvis, Norwood, sells model train cars at the 13th Annual Model Train, Toy & Collectible Expo held at Massena Arena Sept. 25. He is a founding member of Norwood Model Railroad Club, started about 40 years ago. |desc=|link=none|align=middle|width=622|height=900]

[img_assist|nid=327257|title=A free miniature outdoor train ride is offered by Kenny Friedel, of Potsdam, at the 13th Annual Model Train, Toy & Collectible Expo. Lylah Collins and Remington Montroy, both of Massena, and Aubrey Colby, Brasher Falls, ride the train. |desc=|link=none|align=middle|width=954|height=900]