PENNEY FARMS—The Train Collectors Association (TCA) made a special stop to the Penney Train Club on Thursday June 26, during its annual convention. Welcomed to an oasis of toy trains, intricate …
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PENNEY FARMS—The Train Collectors Association (TCA) made a special stop to the Penney Train Club on Thursday June 26, during its annual convention.
Welcomed to an oasis of toy trains, intricate railroads and small replicas, the group of around 30 visitors entered the Penney Train Station with their eyes and mouths wide open in awe.
The international nonprofit was created back in 1954 and is place where about 16,000 toy train lovers connect with others and outwardly express their passion. TCA Convention Tour Guide Larken Parr said it was his idea to bring the convention to Penney Retirement Community. This year marked the first time the convention was held in Jacksonville, with some traveling from as far as Colorado.
“It’s amazing. This is joy to my eyesight,” Parr said when speaking about the club.
For 25 years, the Penney Train Club has been an oasis for those looking to say, “all aboard.” The club produces and runs model toy trains, all from donated items. What started as a small club, soon blossomed into what it is today—a large landscape of the historic railroad system. It was founded with the help of Jim Archibald in 1999.
With bumpy surfaces mirroring various replicas of the small town and fast-moving trains — the sounds of whistles and horns blaring in the background— there was a lot for the group to take in, whether young or old.
Penney Train Club President Jon Nelson said it was a treat to welcome the convention.
“Everybody is having such a great time…we really appreciate having them here, and we really appreciate all their interest [and] hope they come back,” he said.
