Amy's Extraordinary Alabama: For the Love of Trains

By Amy

I love trains. I'm not sure why. Trains seem to bring an almost magical feeling. The dream of taking you away while always bringing you home. And having a son we seem to be drawn to trains and model train exhibits a lot. I love living in a town where the trains run through the middle of town.

I'm always on the look out for model train exhibits and museums. In the past we've visited the model train exhibit at the McWane Center, but I'm unsure if it is a permanent exhibit there. I'm not sure if the one shown at the McWane Center is shown by the Magic City Railroad Club or not.

We've also visited the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, Alabama. I could wander around amidst the old trains for hours I think.

Recently on a trip back home to Northeast Alabama my parents mentioned an article in the paper about a model train exhibit in Gadsden, Alabama. Located in the Cultural Arts Center, this 72 foot long model railroad is operated by the Coosa Valley Model Railroad Association. A replica of Gadsden in the 1940s, the exhibit houses models of the Goodyear plant, downtown Gadsden, the Coosa River and much more. Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for children 3 - 12 years of age. Tuesdays are free between 12 and 5 p.m.

So are there model railroad exhibits or train museums in your part of Alabama? If so please share in the comments. We'd love to visit them.