The Carbon Model Railroad Society has provided local model railroad enthusiasts with an outlet for creation and display for the past 30 years.

Aside from its weekly meetings where members work on the displays, the nonprofit club also travels to attend train meets, put on displays at fairs and carnivals, and holds open house events in the club's building in Bowmanstown.The society has made the church on Ore Street its home for the past 12 years, renovating it to fit the needs of the model railroaders."We built the entire second floor ourselves, and everything that goes with it," society President Garry Mack said.The club currently has two portable displays in the upstairs portion of the building and the main set situated on the ground floor. The main display measures in at 15 by 30 feet."We've been working on the large one for 10 years now. It's a labor of love," Mack said.The displays consist of model buildings, trains and other scenery, made of plastic or wood. Some are bought in kits and put together, while others are donated to the society.Photographs and artwork of the region's railroad history are also found on the walls of the building.The Carbon Model Railroad Society holds two train meets and two open houses a year. The train meets are for those who want to buy and sell model parts.The next one will be on Nov. 1 in the Diamond Fire Company Social Hall in Walnutport.Open houses allow the public to see what society members have built."It's an opportunity for us to show off our stuff and have fun with the people," Mack said. The society is holding the "Christmas in July Open House" from 1-5 p.m. July 18, 19, 25 and 26, and from 7-9 p.m. July 23.Three displays will be in operation.Admission is free but donations are welcomed.There will be model trains and accessories as well as shirts on sale.