Railfans and trainspotters show their love for locomotives in a variety of ways; some individuals enjoy traveling far and wide to see unique train cars with their own eyes, and others enjoy taking a local subway for the ride instead of the destination. One of the most popular pastimes among train connoisseurs is the assembly of miniature railroads, but these intricate displays are not confined to the safety of the indoors.

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania will hold its 17th annual Garden Railways Tour on Sunday, Oct. 6, from 1 to 5 p.m. The event will feature a self-guided tour of five stops located throughout Lancaster, including displays in Lititz and Manheim as well as a stop in Wrightsville. Each stop will highlight an elaborate, outdoor display of operating model trains in the homeowner's yard or garden. A list of the gardens' addresses will be available after a ticket is purchased to allow individuals to plan their route in advance. A volunteer from the museum will also be stationed at each home to share information about the museum's programs and displays, and participating homeowners will be present to run their trains and to answer questions.

"Some homeowners incorporate water features or landscaping into their models. One of the most interesting layouts this year moves through the natural habitat of the owner's backyard," said Railroad Museum program coordinator Elizabeth Myers. "What we are always trying to do is highlight all the work people have put into developing these beautiful layouts. This hobby requires a lot of work."

One might consider outdoor model railroading to be the extreme sport of the hobby. Individuals who design outdoor layouts not only need to navigate the landscape of their yards or gardens, but they also must consider elements of nature when building the model. Factors such as heavy rain, strong wind and curious local wildlife pose a threat to outdoor train models that indoor displays are protected from.

In the past, several local retirement communities have participated in the Garden Railways Tour. Myers said many model owners adapt their layouts to a new home after moving, which requires them to get creative with how they arrange the display. "It's always neat to see people using the spaces they're allotted at home," Myers added. "Even if their living situation has changed, they don't have to give up hobbies and pursuits they enjoyed in the past."

A limited number of tickets are available to purchase in the gift shop of the Railroad Museum, located at 300 Gap Road, Strasburg. Tickets will also remain available online until the start of the event. For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit http://www.rrmuseumpa.org.