Model trains: The display brings holiday cheer to young and old

Don Reader first fell in love with electric model trains at age 5 with a gift from his father. Now 84, his passion for the hobby is still going strong.

Reader and fellow model train hobbyist Paul Davis are bringing their passion for trains public with two displays this holiday season. One display is at the Fountainbleau Lodge Rehabilitation Center on North Kingshighway, and the other is at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

Paul Davis is a stroke survivor who spent time rehabilitating at the Fountainbleau Lodge. After being released following his recovery, he has now brought his love for model trains back to the Fountainbleau Lodge for other patients to enjoy.

The trains have been running on various days throughout the month, with the last show schedules for 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday. The display will be open to the public so visitors of all ages can enjoy.

Samantha Cox, assistant director of nursing at Fountainbleau Lodge, said that they've had many visitors of all ages come to see the electric trains.

Paul Davis set up a holiday train display at Fountainbleau Lodge in Cape Girardeau. (Kristin Eberts)

"We were so glad when Paul brought the trains in. He was a special patient here, and we are glad to see him healthy and happy. We call him our 'Little Miracle Man.'" Cox said.

Paul Davis set up a holiday train display at Fountainbleau Lodge in Cape Girardeau. (Kristin Eberts)

Davis, 67, suffered a stroke in March and lay in the floor of his home for four days before being discovered by his sister. Since then he has made great strides in recovery and enjoys bringing his train displays to the public.

Both Davis and Reader agree that the greatest joy of collecting trains is seeing the children's reaction to the electric rail cars.

"My trains have brought joy to my life and others since I started collecting in 1953. After my stroke, the trains just brought me back to life," Davis said.

Reader and Davis collaborate together with the two displays, which feature a Christmas theme as well as circus animals and a village scene. The model trains are a mix of some new engines and many antiques.

Reader said that the trains made in the last 10 years are not of the same quality as his engines from the 1950s.

"The model train industry really peaked in the 1920s to 1950s. We then saw them come back around the '80s and [they] are now going strong again. Collectors prize older models because of the quality of metal and plastic used to make them. You don't see quality like that now." Reader said.

Reader's display at the Cape Girardeau Public Library will be open for viewing Dec. 27 to 28 in the children's section of the library. The display will feature revived trains that Reader altered.

"The trains I have all needed some work done to them cosmetically. I painted them to be a Christmas theme." Reader said.

Reader and Davis both had fathers who worked on the railroad. Reader said his love for trains has even required an addition to his home to make room for them all.

"We added a 30-foot half-attic over our garage that is all mine for the trains." Reader said.

"I just enjoy working on the trains and seeing other people enjoying them too." Reader said.

For more information on the public train displays, contact the Fountainbleau Lodge Rehabilitation Center at 335-1999 and the Cape Girardeau Public Library at 334-5279.