The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 Gap Road, Strasburg, will hold its Model Railroading Days event from Friday, Aug. 18, through Sunday, Aug. 20. Admission for the event will be included in the museum's regular admission, and attendees will be able to explore a variety of displays from multiple model train organizations.

A Middle Division layout, which is based on the Pennsylvania Railroad in the Harrisburg area, will be set up in the second-floor gallery. The Pennsylvania Landscapes layout will be displayed in Stewart Junction. Both layouts have been crafted by the museum's volunteers. On Saturday, Aug. 19, a tree-making demonstration for model train displays will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and it will be included in the museum's standard admission cost.

On Sunday, Oct. 1, the Railroad Museum will hold its 16th annual Garden Railways Tour from 1 to 5 p.m. The self-guided tour will include five stops across Wrightsville, Lancaster, Lititz and Manheim, and each stop will feature a model train display that is incorporated into a yard or garden. After purchasing a ticket, participants will receive the list of stops on the route, and they may choose which locations to visit for their tour. Tickets may be purchased by visiting the museum's store during its regular hours or by visiting https://tinyurl.com/gardenrailwaystour. Children age 5 and under will be admitted at no cost.

The Railroad Museum first introduced the annual Garden Railways Tour after learning about the practice from museum volunteer John Bowman. Bowman is heavily involved in the garden railway community and continues to connect the museum with model train enthusiasts who have garden displays throughout York and Lancaster counties.

"I think the appeal is the scale; garden railways are the largest model train displays," said Elizabeth Myers, program coordinator at the Railroad Museum. "Many people associate model train displays with basements and small rooms, but this combines the hobby with nature and being outside."

Not only are garden railways located outdoors, but they also often integrate a mix of elements that can be found in nature, such as branches, flowers and stones. When setting up the displays, garden railway enthusiasts often place pieces made of plastic and metal alongside the natural elements to create a realistic model of real scenic train routes. The outdoor setting also allows the displays' creators to utilize landscaping to customize their constructions. "It's a really fun way to get outside in the early fall and enjoy a family-friendly activity," Myers said.

For more information, visit http://www.rrmuseumpa.org.