YOUNGSTOWN - The Western Reserve Modular Railroad Club has found a home and way to showcase local railroad history at the Youngstown Historical Center of Labor and Industry, 151 W. Wood St.
Retired Youngstown State University professors Richard Ulrich (club president) and Hugh Earnhart, said the club's two large railroad exhibits are on the first floor of the building. The building also houses YSU's history department.
Ulrich said YSU history professors Dr. Martha Pallante and Dr. Donna DeBlasio welcome the exhibit for both students and the public.
"We had the opportunity to bring the railroad displays here and we discussed constructing something permanent to stay at the museum," he said.
One exhibit shows the railroads and Youngstown mills; the second display shows railroads and local business areas.
Both displays will be shown from 6 to 10 p.m. Monday during Youngs-town's First Night.
Ulrich said in January and March the train displays will be shown at a train show and sale planned at McMenamy's in Niles.
"We want to show the history of the railroads in Youngstown and many of the mills and factories that have been here," Ulrich said.
He said many people who come to the museum - including YSU history classes - can use the displays for lessons.
"Everyone works together and helped set up and take the display down when we travel places with it," Ulrich said.
Ron Capots of Vienna, a club member, said plans are to take the display of the railroads to the National Packard Museum in Warren later next year.
Capots said the group has spent a lot of time putting the exhibit together, especially the permanent layout.
Zach Blevins, 14, of Vienna, a club member, said he enjoys running the trains.
He said he joined the group after his father piqued his interest.
Ulrich said the group has received notoriety in national model railroad publications.
He said the public is welcome to come to the display or join the group which meets during museum hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Friday and noon to 4 pm. Saturday.