The event begins at 3:30 p.m. Friday at the museum with a model train session. Members from the Central Texas Area Model Railroaders in Temple will run eight to 10 trains on an H-O scale. The Fort Worth Temple and Gulf Railroad model includes passenger trains, coal trains, a grain train and others. The session also includes three roundtable discussions about different railroad topics.
Nationally recognized historian Shane Deemer of Chicago will speak at 7 p.m. Friday, focusing on how the military has used its railroad system. The lectures get people ready for the trip to and tour of Fort Hood at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
Lt. Col. Robert L. Menti, III Corps Headquarters battalion commander, said it allows civilians to learn about the importance of the Army's railroad system.
"This is a very special event for the civilian community," he said. "It's a win-win."
Railfan participants will see 40-year-old switching locomotives along with the latest in green technology. The GenSet locomotive is EPA Tier 2 compliant with ultra-low emissions. It has three engines that only operate when needed.
Before the trip, the museum will have another model railroad operation session and roundtable, starting at 9:30 a.m.
For reservations, call 298-5165.
