Rhenn Zumwalt, 4, watches a miniature freight train pass through a miniature town layout during the Train Show and Open House ...

The Charles Ro Supply Company, which calls itself "America's largest train store," ships to customers around the world.

Dale Desser, of Erie, doesn't want visitors to simply watch his spectacular model railroad. He invites people to operate it.

They trained over a year for this. A Long Island model train club is all aboard for its largest-sized open house, having spent 16 months crafting a 6,500-square-foot display — placed alongside ...

Railroad displays at Christmastime evoke an American era in which trains brought relatives, holiday gifts and childhood memories to town.