Model train enthusiasts and locomotive lovers are planning to gather at the San Bernardino County Museum and Victor Valley Museum for Train Days, April 22 through 30. Kicking off the event again this year at the Redlands site will be the attempt at a world record for the longest Soul Train dance at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22. Last year the Museum missed the record by just a few dozen people and is going for a second attempt. San Bernardino County Supervisor “Conductor Curt” Hagman is the presenting sponsor of this year’s event.
At the Redlands museum, model train layouts will fill the museum galleries, Learning Depot, and courtyard, with family programming scheduled throughout the day. The Redlands Noon Kiwanis will be sponsoring a barbeque luncheon on Saturday, April 22 for members, followed by the dance challenge with DJ Eturnal. Dancers are asked to start lining up at 1 p.m. The first 500 dancers to sign in for the dance line will receive commemorative Train Days t-shirts.
At Victor Valley Museum, the Antelope Valley N-scalers return and will be joined by a local group of train enthusiasts who will add a second layout in the galleries. Admission to the museum will also include children’s hands on crafts and train activities. Train Days at this county museum in Apple Valley will be open the weekend of April 22–23, and reopen Wednesday, April 26–April 30.
“Train Days at the county museum is great fun for all ages,” said Supervisor Hagman. “It also recalls the vitally important role that the railroad industry has played in the history of San Bernardino County and, indeed, in the economic development of the West. First came trails, then wagon roads, and then railroads that turned San Bernardino County into the link that joined the Pacific Coast with the eastern United States.”
“Train Days is a beloved tradition at the museum,” said Melissa Russo, museum director. “The event has grown over the years into a much-anticipated event when families can enjoy the fun of model railroading and see amazing hand-made layouts full of fascinating details. The engineering involved in crafting these tiny environments is something to experience.”
Train Days exhibits and activities are included with museum general admission. Lunch, snacks, and rides on a miniature train are available for purchase.
Train Days and the County Museum’s other exciting events and exhibits reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.
The San Bernardino County Museum is at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. The Victor Valley Museum in Apple valley at 11873 Apple Valley Road. This branch museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays; admission is $5 (adult), $4 (military or senior), and $2.50 (student or child). Train Days is included with museum admission. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.