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Rocky Hill’s Pacific Southern Model Railroad Show Returns on October 26 & 27


The Pacific Southern Model Railroad (PSMR) of Rocky Hill will be open the weekend of October 26 and 27.

“This train show is unlike any other,” according to Carlton Pate, who lives in the Washington Street (Route 518) home where the railroad is setup in his basement. “

The large 90-foot by 45-foot space with 3,500 feet, or two-thirds of a mile of track, allows visitors excellent views of the trains and scenery.

PSMR held its first annual HO-scale display 55 years ago. It now includes 30 trains, and both steam and diesel locomotives. There will also be a hands-on layout for kids, and a Ford brass cars and license plate display.

Pate will talk about the history of the PSMR, and how the trains work.

The history goes like this: In 1952, a man named Bob Latham bought two acres in Rocky Hill to build a house with a model railroad in the basement. In 1964, as the Christmas season approached, Latham got local model railroaders to help him put on a show, which was successful, and a club was formed.

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Pate says: “Over time the operation improved and grew, and the shows’ popularity spread. The basement and layout were expanded twice. Six years ago, operation was converted to a new digital command control system that offered the operators flexibility to roam around.”

A highlight will be the three-ring circus with the famous Pate Brothers Circus train at the end of the show.

Pate invites all to the 2019 PSR show, saying, “All aboard and enjoy the ride!”

The PSR will hold 45-minute shows on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27 at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm. Reserve tickets, since there is limited capacity for each show.

Admission is $10, with all proceeds benefitting the Rocky Hill Fire Department and First Aid and Rescue Squad.■

Phone: 860.614.0875 (no text). Web: pacificsouthern.org.


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