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Free Workshop for Model Train Fans

 

Union County, NJ – Model railroad fans and friends are welcome to come to the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center in Union Township this Saturday, February 11 and learn how to use the latest electronic equipment to operate trains.

“Model railroading is a traditional craft that has embraced 21st technology, and this workshop is a good opportunity to see how a digital control system can add to the enjoyment of a popular pastime,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

The workshop, “DCC for Beginners,” is the first in a series on Digital Command Control offered by The Model Railroad Club, a non-profit organization that runs the Railroad Center. The Railroad Center is located in a mixed-use area of Union County’s Lenape Park and is supported in part by the Freeholder Board.

DCC for Beginners is free with admission to the Railroad Center, which is open to the public every Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $6.00 per adult 18 and older, $5.00 per teen 12-17, and $4.00 for children 5-12. Children under age 5 are welcome, and are free.

“Digital Command Control, or DCC, lets railroaders operate multiple trains independently on the same track without having to set up and wire different sections,” said Railroad Club president Tim McCollum. “It takes a bit of getting used to and we’re happy to share our knowledge with the railroading community.”

All visitors to the Railroad Center are welcome to attend the workshop as observers or participants. Railroaders who already have a throttle and instruction manual should bring them.

DCC for Beginners will cover:

  • What is DCC
  • Setting up your system.
  • Programming your throttle
  • Basic operation
  • Trouble shooting

 

The workshop is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 11 at the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center in Union Township, conveniently located behind the Home Depot off Route 22 East (enter the parking lot and go to the garden center at the far end; turn left and follow the small sign to a road behind the Home Depot — the Mallery Center is at the end of the road).

For more information visit the Railroad Center online at tmrci.org call 908-964-9724 or connect on Facebook.

For more events and activities in and around Union County Parks visit online at 52 Great Things to Do in Union County This Year.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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