Sena E. Ash reported on the show in the Temple Daily Telegram.

People just like trains.

That’s why the 21st Annual Model Train Show at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center attracted several thousand people from all over the state Saturday.

Jim and Debbie McKimmey of Cameron came to look at the big model train sets and attended the modeling clinics to learn how to make trees and scenery.

McKimmey, who is a retired cop and firefighter and has been a train modeler for many years, explained, “I’ve always loved trains.”

“A lot of these folks grew up during the ’40s and ’50s, and that’s why I think they like them,” Mrs. McKimmey said.

Not only do people like trains; they like the nostalgia surrounding them. While model trains were available in every size, shape and color (Civil War Train Set – Assembles in Minutes!! – 131 pieces), many booths also sold ’40s and ’50s memorabilia.

The train show continues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

One booth owner said he worked for the railroad in its heyday, the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. Over his 34 years of traveling with the railroad, he picked up bits and pieces of train paraphernalia, which he now sells at train shows.

He has date nails, old timetables and a sign that says, “Kindly flush toilet after each use except when train is standing in station.”

He said he was working for the railroad when coal was phased out in favor of diesel. (Which might explain why one booth was selling coal in little sandwich bags.)