Nashville’s Annual Model Train Event celebrates 25 years November 11th-13th
Nashville, TN – That “chugga chugga” sound you hear can only mean one thing — locomotives of all sizes are once again making tracks for Adventure Science Center’s Whistlestop Weekend, three days devoted to trains on November 11th – 13th.
Celebrating the 25th year, Whistlestop Weekend invites visitors to experience the enchantment of the area’s finest model trains and enjoy train-themed presentations and hands-on activities at the Science Center. The first 250 visitors on Saturday, November 12th, will receive commemorative Whistlestop bandanas.
Special Events Include
- Saturday, 11:30am and 2:00pm – Conductor Jack of the Zinghoppers will host special sing-along performances.
- Saturday, 2:30pm – Ed Cole, Executive Director of The Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee, will present on Trains and Mass Transit: New Technologies that Provide New Transportation Choices in Our Future.
“Whistlestop Weekend has become a much anticipated annual event and a tradition spanning generations of families,” said Susan Duvenhage, CEO of Adventure Science Center. “This year, we’ll not only look at trains of years past but also explore the science and engineering behind trains of the future – frictionless, magnetic levitation trains.”
Adventure Science Center’s exhibit features collections from local train enthusiasts and includes train layout sizes from the tiny Z all the way up to larger G scale, providing visitors with incredibly detailed, scaled landscapes along each train’s route. Adventure Science Center’s own Lionel O train rolls past replicas of Nashville landmarks.
A second layout features Thomas the Tank chugging along a winter wonderland track. Both ASC layouts include interactive components allowing guests to control elements of the layout, such as spurring ice skaters to life or making a trolley begin its route. The ASC layouts will remain on display at the Center after the weekend through January 1st, providing excitement to young visitors and families during the holiday season.
Beyond the model trains, visitors to Whistlestop Weekend can expect to see some familiar faces, including that of Warren Hannas, Whistlestop Weekend’s Chief Engineer.
“I’ve been a part of the event for so long, and every year I enjoy running the trains more and more,” said Warren. “I have always loved talking with visitors and answering their questions. It’s great to see mothers and grandmothers who remember visiting the exhibit at the Children’s Museum now bringing their young ones to experience Whistlestop Weekend at Adventure Science Center.”
Hannas has served as Chief Engineer for Whistlestop Weekend since the event’s inception in 1986. Other 25-year participants and supporters include Dr. Jack Fisher, who has supported the event and donated his own model train collection each year, and Winston Caldwell, who serves as another one of the exhibit’s train engineers.
Sponsors for Whistlestop Weekend include Dr. Jack Fisher, Will Cheek, Phillips Toy Mart and Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Visiting train clubs contributing layouts include Cumberland Valley Model Railroaders, Nashville Ntrak and Tennessee Central Railway Museum.
Whistlestop Weekend is included with regular admission to Adventure Science Center, which is $12.00 for adults; $10.00 for children ages 2 to 12 and seniors 65+. Certified TN teachers (with school ID) are free. For more information about these and other exhibits, visit www.adventuresci.com.
About Adventure Science Center
For more than 65 years, Adventure Science Center has brought science to life for students, teachers and families in Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, Northern Alabama and beyond. The Center offers hands-on, interactive exhibits and engaging programs that encourage visitors of all ages to explore how science is relevant in their lives. Adventure Science Center encourages imagination and curiosity in a fun, dynamic learning environment.
Adventure Science Center is located at 800 Fort Negley Boulevard. Hours are 10:00am to 5:00pm. Monday through Saturday, and 12:30pm to 5:30pm Sunday. Admission is $12.00 for adults; $10.00 for children ages 2 to 12 and seniors 65+. Certified TN teachers (with school ID) are free. For more information, call 615.862.5160 or visit our web site at www.adventuresci.com.
