Trains, kids, and community spirit filled Newtown Community Center on October 25 when Newtown Lions Club hosted its Fourth Annual Model Train Show, an event organizers say has quickly become one of the town’s most joyful fall traditions.

Families streamed in between 10 am and 2 pm to watch model trains wind through elaborate miniature towns, mountains, and railyards. Several operating layouts — some stretching more than 1,700 square feet — offered something for every age, from wide eyed first‑time visitors to seasoned hobbyists who know their rolling stock by heart.

Children under 10 were admitted free, and each young engineer received a classic striped conductor’s cap at the door.

The community center’s activity room buzzed with puzzles, face painting, crafts, and plenty of laughter.

Newtown Lions Club President Patricia Cuti said “the kids’ room is always a hit.

“It’s where future train lovers are born,” she added.

This year’s show featured a new highlight: a presentation by Rick Abramson of National Model Railroading Association. Abramson, a former Metro‑North and Housatonic Railroad employee, captivated attendees with stories of New York’s original Penn Station, the golden age of Art Deco rail travel, and the engineering feats that shaped America’s railroads.

His talk drew a crowd and added a rich historical dimension to the day.

Community Event With A Purpose

While the trains delighted visitors, the heart of the event remained its mission. Proceeds from the show support charities that help families coping with pediatric cancer, including The Tommy Fund, which provides hope and help to children receiving treatment at Yale New Haven’s Smilow Cancer Hospital, and to the families who stand beside them.

Lions Train Show Committee Chair Peter McNulty said the trains bring people in, “but the cause is what brings them back. This community shows up for kids who need a little extra strength.”

With strong attendance, enthusiastic vendors, and families lingering long after the final whistle, the Lions say planning for the Fifth Annual Model Train Show will begin soon. If the excitement of the recent Sunday presentation was any indication, next year’s event will be even bigger and just as full of wonder.