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Mini models highlighting mechanical feats on exhibit at EnterTRAINment

Hobbyists to display their work, while kids can hop aboard a train.

The handmade City of Monroe steamboat is one of mini models on exhibit at EnterTRAINment Junction in West Chester Twp. this weekend. The exhibit is free to the public.

Contributed photo The handmade City of Monroe steamboat is one of mini models on exhibit at EnterTRAINment Junction in West Chester Twp. this weekend. The exhibit is free to the public.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Richard O Jones, Staff Writer 1:45 AM Friday, September 11, 2009

WEST CHESTER TWP. — Even while it houses the nation’s largest model train display, EnterTRAINment Junction will host a special showing of guest models this weekend.

The free exhibition will include hand-built mini models of real mechanically engineered equipment from the past in the venue’s indoor Main Street area, said train master Larry Koehl.

“We want to promote all kinds of hobbies,” he said.

Koehl said he’s rounded up hobbyists from around the state with a wide range of miniatures, including equipment and models such as an 1800s river steamboat, a hand-cranked one-third scale Gatling Gun from the Civil War era, tractors and other farm equipment, a coal-fired steam locomotive, cars and trucks, pumps, belt machinery, an aircraft engine and assorted other mechanical devices, all in perfectly scaled miniature sizes.

For children, there also will be a ride-on train, a miniature train pulled by a mini coal-fired live steam locomotive, provided by the Cincinnati Cinder Sniffers club.

Presenters also include the Cincinnati 1/6 Collectors Club, which focuses on re-creating military and cultural models the size of a G.I. Joe figure and outfitting them with historically accurate uniforms and equipment.

“Others do famous celebrities,” Koehl said. “One man has a 28-piece band with instruments that he said he’ll bring, so there’s going to be a lot of variety.”

Model engineering hobbyists will be on hand to talk about the miniatures and answer questions from the public.

Also currently running through the weekend is the popular “Everything Thomas” event that includes an indoor train ride, said EnterTRAINment Junction spokesman Bill Mefford.

A discounted “Everything Thomas” combination ticket is $12.99, and includes admission to the indoor model train display, a children’s interactive play area, the American Railroad Museum, an expo center, the Funhouse Junction walk-though maze and all of the Thomas activities.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2188 or rjones@coxohio.com.