Reader: Union Station model railroads have made memories for decades and must be saved

Patricia Calhoun's reporting about the model-train layouts that have graced Union Station for decades, and the prospect of them losing their longtime home, has triggered a mixture of nostalgia and resolve that the situation must be fixed. Here's one example -- a reader for whom the trains have a special...

By Michael Roberts

April 26, 2013

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Patricia Calhoun's reporting about the model-train layouts that have graced Union Station for decades, and the prospect of them losing their longtime home, has triggered a mixture of nostalgia and resolve that the situation must be fixed. Here's one example -- a reader for whom the trains have a special place in his heart.

anglo writes:

This is a sacrilege without a doubt. I don't know if they checked it out or not, but I would recommend that they, the RR modelers, would contact the Forney Museum.

At 73, I remember this RR layout since my first visit as a child and have taken my grand children there as well. I grew up on the UPRR, as my dad was a section foreman for 40 years, as well as several of my uncles and both grandfathers. This hobby is worth perpetuating to the fullest for those of all ages.

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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