GLT Datebook: Trains in the Heartland

By Laura Kennedy

Published April 1, 2017 at 7:30 AM CDT

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These model trains are pulling into the station that only exists in Dave Gentry's basement.

Laura Kennedy / WGLT

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These model trains are pulling into the station that only exists in Dave Gentry's basement.

Laura Kennedy / WGLT

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Dave has been a model train enthusiast since his college days.

Laura Kennedy / WGLT

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Dave has been a model train enthusiast since his college days.

Laura Kennedy / WGLT

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Dave creates landscapes for his trains to travel through.

Laura Kennedy / WGLT

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Dave creates landscapes for his trains to travel through.

Laura Kennedy / WGLT

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Here's an example of one of the modules you might see at Trains in the Heartland.

Laura Kennedy / WGLT

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Here's an example of one of the modules you might see at Trains in the Heartland.

Laura Kennedy / WGLT

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It's a whole, little world in Dave Gentry's basement!

Laura Kennedy / WGLT

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It's a whole, little world in Dave Gentry's basement!

Laura Kennedy / WGLT

You can find a world of model trains at Heartland Community College with the annual Trains in the Heartland Event.

Heartland Community College teams up with N-Scale of Bloomington-Normal to host this event, Saturday, April 8th from from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sunday the 9th from 11 AM to 3 PM in the Astroth Community Center.
A variety of model train scales will be on display. There will be ten different train layouts.
There's also presentations from speakers who will address historical topics, such as a look at small town train stations.
The Bloomington Interurban rail is the focus of another presentation, which includes rare photographs from the 1930's. WGLT depends on financial support from users to bring you stories and interviews like this one. As someone who values experienced, knowledgeable, and award-winning journalists covering meaningful stories in central Illinois, please consider making a contribution.