Locomotives left Sequim decades ago, but miniature trains are making a comeback this weekend.
After a few years in Port Angeles venues, the North Olympic Peninsula Railroaders bring their 24th Model Train Show and Swap Meet back to the Sequim Prairie Grange.
The free show runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 in the grange at 290 Macleay Road.
“We’re happy to go back to where we’ve had a lot of success and that’s the Grange,” Railroaders’ club treasurer Steve Stripp said.
“It’s back to our roots, and that’s what we’re all about.”
There will be up to three model tracks running during the show, featuring replicas of Olympic Peninsula trains from Milwaukee Road and Seattle North Coast. Small children can also play with a large wooden Brio train set.
“I love seeing kids’ reaction to the whole setup,” Stripp said.
Children can enter to win an electric train set during the show, too.
Prior to the show, club members plan to have a booth at the Dungeness River Festival on Sept. 27 at Railroad Bridge Park.
Stripp said they anticipate filling the Grange hall with at least 12 vendors and 20-plus tables of trains and supplies to buy, sell and trade.
“It’s encouraging to have that many,” he said.
Trains come in a wide-range of ages and sizes, including a large G-scale (garden scale) static display.
“A lot of people return year after year,” Stripp said. “I get to see a lot of trains, old friends and meet new ones. Come enjoy and have a good time.”
Last year’s show was held at the Red Lion Hotel in Port Angeles in hopes of attracting ferry tourists, organizers said, and prior to the pandemic club members held the show for a few years at the Clallam County Fairgrounds. It operated for many years at the Sequim Prairie Grange and originated in Sequim.
For more information about the club or show, email Steve Stripp at stevestripp9@gmail.com.
Train Show and Swap Meet
Hosted by North Olympic Peninsula Railroaders
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29.
Where: Sequim Prairie Grange, 290 Macleay Road
Features: Model trains of all sizes on display, running on tracks and for sale; raffle for children’s electric train set
More info: Contact Steve Stripp at 360-582-1316 or stevestripp9@gmail.com
Sequim Gazette file photo by Matthew Nash The North Olympic Peninsula Railroaders’ Train Show and Swap Meet features static and running displays of model trains and tracks on Sept. 28-29 in the Sequim Prairie Grange.
Keith Thorpe, Olympic Peninsula News Group/ In 2019, Liam Camntu marvels at a model railroad setup at the North Olympic Peninsula Railroaders’ train show held at the Clallam County Fairgrounds. The free event returns to the Sequim Prairie Grange this weekend after a few years away.
