Many adults of "a certain age" treasure childhood memories of playing with model trains. Beginning with a set, which included an engine, cars and track, they could choose from seemingly endless selections of buildings, figures and landscapes to build a world around the train set.

"You can add on cars, extra track, buildings, all kinds of accessories," said Chuck Klingaman, Penn Train and Hobby, 12 N. Centre St., Pottsville. He and his sister Cathy Klingaman run the store. "I believe we have more inventory than any other store in the area."Penn Train and Hobby is all aboard for the annual National Lionel Train Day, which kicks off Saturday. Store hours that day will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Lionel wristbands, stickers and other items will be available."As part of that celebration, people will be able to pre-order a National Lionel Train Day Boxcar," Cathy Klingaman said. "It's very collectible and a great addition to any track."Penn Train and Hobby carries Lionel, HO including Thomas the Tank and N gauge sets, cars, tracks and accessories. They also carry Estes rockets, plastic model kits and radio-controlled cars, boats and planes. The store has only been open for a few months, from Monday through Friday, but will have extended hours until Christmas.The plastic model kits include an extensive line of cars, from the classics such as 60s era Ford mustangs to a Starsky & Hutch Ford Torino. There are model kits for trucks, planes, ships and various military gear such as the AH-64 Apache helicopter.Train supplies dominate the inventory. Chuck Klingaman explained the differences."The best way to get someone started in the hobby is with a kit, and those come in difference sizes," he said. "The HO set is smaller, smaller track and cars; the Lionel O gauge is bigger; the N gauge is smaller than the HO - it all depends on how much space you have not just for the set, but for adding on to the set."A typical set includes tracks, the transformer that powers the engine, the engine and some cars. Add-ons include landscape items such as trees and mountain tunnels, and various "people" and animals."A gift of a train set is something that can start a hobby that lasts for generations," Chuck Klingaman said. "Lionel trains have been part of families for more than 100 years."