May 24, 2013
For Keith Stoker collecting model trains has been a hobby that over time has evolved into a lifestyle.
"I've been doing it since I was eight years old. I'm 32 now and I still play with them just like they're toys!"
And he may be all grown up now, but Stoker says the model train world isn't just for kids.
"My grandfather, he still plays with them and he's 92 years old and he still plays with them. It brings me back, especially when I'm over there helping him with his table of us when we were younger doing it. So yea, it brings back old times."
The 22nd Annual "Wiregrass Model Railroad Show and Sale" wrapped-up in Dothan on Sunday.
"We've had a tremendous weekend. It's one of the best weekends we've had business wise. The vendors are happy, we're selling a lot of trains and we've had a lot of people come through the door. We're just really thrilled with how the show has gone this week."
The event is one of the largest in the southeast and features model train equipment, dealers, and enthusiasts, like Stoker, who travel from all over to show-off their displays and merchandise.
"Some people just like to watch the trains run, some people come to buy their model railroad supplies if they have a model railroad, some people just buy stuff to get kids started with model railroading."
So whether you're an avid collector of model trains or whether you're just getting started, Lewis says, model railroading is something for people of all ages.
