All about the community of model railroading and rail enthusiasm
September 17, 2013
The Trains at NorthPark is an annual holiday fund raiser benefitting the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. More than 25 Lionel trains traverse approximately 1,600 feet of track over 3,800 square feet of train-themed environments representative of a trip across America. – Courtesy Trains of NorthPark
A team of some 1,500 volunteers are required to keep trains moving along the exhibit, which attracts 75,000 annual visits during the holiday season and benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. Officials are recruiting volunteers to work three-hour shifts on the seven-day-a-week schedule that runs from Nov. 23 to Jan. 5, 2014, at NorthPark Center in Dallas.
Interested volunteers, which must be at least 15 years old without a parent or 12-14 years old and accompanied by a parent, should visit RMH’s website for more information.
More than 25 Lionel trains hauling more than 100 pieces of rolling stock will traverse 26 loops of 3-rail O-gauge track on a journey that represents America from coast to coast. Trains pass along 1,600 feet of track along 3,800 square feet of train themed environments.
Along the way are a number of cityscapes that include downtown Dallas, New York City, San Francisco, Washington D.C. and Albuquerque, NM. Representations of Grand Central Terminal in Washington, D.C., Times Square, the Golden Gate Bridge, the State Fair of Texas and the Cotton Bowl are featured.
Since 1987, The Trains at NorthPark presented by Bank of Texas, has raised money for the children and families served by the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. The annual fundraiser provides funds for almost one-third of our annual operating budget. RMH, established in 1981, hosts families of seriously ill or injured children who have traveled to Dallas seeking medical treatment.
Trains will run Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays noon to 6 p.m. Early closings are scheduled for Thanksgiving Eve (6 p.m.), Christmas Eve (4 p.m.), New Year’s Eve (6 p.m.) and New Year’s Day (6 p.m.). The event is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Cost is $6 for adults, $3for children 2-12 and senior citizens 65 and older. Children under 2 are free. Discount tickets are available at Tom Thumb grocery stores.
