Model train enthusiasts keep childhood hobby alive with elaborate layouts

JACKSON, La. (InvestigateTV) — Model trains wind through tunnels, over bridges and across multi-level landscapes at the Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders Club.

Clay Fourrier, president of the club, said he became fascinated with trains as a child.

“I was a kid about five, my dad would always say, want to go see the trains? And he’d pick me up, take me down there and see those trains, and I became fascinated,” Fourrier said.

The club opens its doors twice a month for visitors, especially children.

“When they come in here, it’s real, it’s tactile. It’s something they don’t really experience a lot,” Fourrier said. “All of that motion, all of that sound, all those lights, it’s not on the computer anymore, it’s right there in front of them.”

Each layout is different, from small gauge to medium size to large outdoor garden trains. A live steam locomotive was operated by 15-year-old Charles Harrington.

“There’s a smaller version of a full-size steam locomotive that used to run before like the 1960s,” Harrington said.

The train layouts tell stories, including a large amusement park, local industries and Christmas Eve bonfires on the levee.

Chris Hornsey runs three levels of tracks. He said the logging train features real cypress logs.

“Technology has come a long way since the old dad’s little Lionel set,” Hornsey said.

Hornsey said attracting young people to the hobby has become more difficult.

“It’s gotten tougher over the years. Kids now are more into the technology stuff, you know, cell phones and all that,” he said.

Jamie Aguillard said creativity is part of the appeal.

“You get creative with the scenery and the buildings and things like that. A lot of the buildings are weathered,” Aguillard said.

Easton Bailey, who has visited the club multiple times with his sister and father, said he likes the detail and sounds of the trains.

Greg Bailey said the visits are worthwhile for the family.

“I think it’s good to get the kids out of the house, number one, too. It keeps up his interests in it. And, you know, we find ourselves kind of fascinated by it just being here,” Bailey said.

Brian Ehlenberg said his interest began decades ago.

“33 years ago, we bought a train to go around the Christmas tree for my son one thing led to another and my bucket list item is to go ride the Glacier Express in the Swiss Alps,” Ehlenberg said.