Clinic helps keep trains on track
As the time draws near for taking down Christmas decorations, take a moment to ensure that your model trains are in tip-top shape before packing them away for the season. Plan now to attend the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center’s annual Model Train Clinic 1-4 p.m. Saturday, January 5, 2013 in the Hayes Museum. Admission to the Hayes Model Train Clinic is $2 per person, or free with the purchase of a Hayes Museum ticket. The clinic is sponsored by the Gordon W. Knight Family, with additional support from Memorial Hospital.

Experienced model train collectors are on hand to assist participants with advice related to model train maintenance and repair, as well as estimating the value of older model trains. Some minor repairs and cleaning can be done on site, with the train owner’s permission. Model Train Clinic attendees who own G-, O-, or standard-gauge trains are invited to see their models run on the layout during the clinic.Those attending the clinic also can view the Hayes Train Special. A holiday tradition at the Hayes Presidential Center since 1994, this 12x24-foot operating model train display features eight trains running a course through mountain tunnels, around lakes, and near a Victorian village blanketed in snow. This year’s display is complemented with an exhibition of the snowflake art of Toledo artist Mary Gaynier. Her cut-paper artworks are so intricate visitors find themselves devoting time to each one to appreciate the numerous images almost hidden inside.