WITH SYKESVILLE'S roots firmly entrenched in railroading, it is no surprise that the area is home to many model train enthusiasts.
Ten years ago, 30 train buffs found an outlet for their interest when they organized Sykesville and Patapsco Railway Inc., an organization dedicated to building and maintaining operating model train layouts of every type for the town and its visitors.
The group has been instrumental in maintaining the town's railroad identity. The club's headquarters is in two old rail cars not far from the tracks of the old train station. A 1910 Pullman car and 1927 caboose, donated by Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, rest on unused tracks behind the town's Interlocking Tower and Visitor's Center. The group has displays in both cars.
Sykesville's railroad history dates to when the town was referred to as the "Horse Train Stop." Baldwin's Station, the town's railroad depot built in 1883, saw thousands of people pass through its gates, and Sykesville became a tourist spot on B&O;'s Old Main Line for Baltimoreans wishing to visit the country.
Today, Sykesville is still proud of its railroad heritage, and has chosen to make it the theme of the town. The town held its first railroad festival last year, attracting hundreds.
Mark Bennett, president of Sykesville and Patapsco Railway Inc., says his organization could not exist without the support and enthusiasm of the town and the Sykesville Business Association. In return, the group has brought tremendous benefits to Sykesville.
Bennett says the first year the group opened its displays to the public, they attracted 100 visitors the entire year. He says the displays were more modest, but for the past 10 years, the town and its organizations have helped add to them. Now, the number of visitors is close to 3,000 a year to the old rail cars to view the O, S, N, HO and American Flyer gauge operating train gardens.
With all the interest the model trains generate in the town, S&P; member Wiley Purkey saw an opportunity for a model train business in Sykesville, and opened Purkey's Toy Trains close to the S&P; railcars. After three years, his business is thriving - especially during the holidays. Several other group members also work at Purkey's.
"People bring their kids here in droves," Purkey says over the sound of a running train display that occupies the front half of the store. "They hear the real train going by, and run out the door to see it. Then they come back in the store, and buy something."
In an area known as Old Main Line Park, behind Purkey's and outside the visitor's center, S&P; members work on a G gauge display, which Bennett refers to as a "garden setup." The display will feature large G gauge trains and tracks with two loops.
Bennett says the outdoor display has to be able to withstand inclement weather and will be challenging to create. They plan to use real vegetation, but must find plants that fit the scale of the trains. They also have to construct buildings, hills and valleys to make the display look authentic.
"People will be able to sit outside in the park, eat their lunch and watch the trains," says Bennett. He says he doesn't know when the display will be finished, but that the group hopes to have it running for the second Sykesville train festival in July.
The group displays its model trains for the public the first Sunday of every month. Next month, the train gardens will be open every weekend before Christmas. Sunday's schedule at the Pullman car and caboose is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The next weekend, Sykesville will have a Christmas Open House on Dec. 6. The festivities will begin with a tree-lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa in the S&P; caboose at 6:30 p.m. The model displays also will be open from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 8.
Information: 410-795-8959.
Scouts help needy
Boy Scout Troop 883 of Eldersburg is helping the Carroll County Neighbors in Need Holiday Shop by collecting donations tomorrow through Dec. 9.
The Neighbors in Need program assists families that were not adopted for the holidays. Scout Steve Gonski, 12, said donations of new, unwrapped clothing, toys, sporting goods, school supplies, outerwear and other items are needed.
Collection boxes will be located at center court in Carrolltown Center on Liberty Road, Safeway on Route 32 and in the Fellowship Center at St. Joseph Catholic Community on Liberty Road, all in Eldersburg.
Information: 410-795-7838.
Debra Taylor Young's neighborhood column appears each Tuesday in the Carroll County edition of The Sun.