Loblolly Railroad Model Train Display hosted by Nacogdoches Railroad Depot

The Loblolly Railroad Model Train Display returns for a third year to the historic Nacogdoches Railroad Depot 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29.

Presented by the Loblolly Crew, the three-rail O gauge train layout is 12 feet by 16 feet and features two mainline loops of track, one designed to travel in a figure 8 and another in a point-to-point trolley line.

Spectators can enjoy watching vintage steam and diesel engines pull passenger and freight cars around the depot's scenic display, along with the Polar Express and other unique model trains.

This year's display features buildings and attractions, all depicting a typical East Texas town. Scenery includes oil fields and industrial areas, a rail yard, a main street and much more. Amtrak and two major model railroad manufacturers have provided handouts for all attendees.

Also, representatives from Union Pacific Railroad and Operation Lifesaver will be on hand to discuss the importance of railroad safety.

All trains will be on display at the Nacogdoches Railroad Depot, 101 Old Tyler Road, starting Friday, Nov. 29, and will operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, 8 and 15; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and 13.

The Loblolly Railroad also is scheduled to be displayed at the 2014 Junction East Texas Train Society Train Show March 1-2, 2014, at the Longview Fairgrounds and at the Cotton Belt Historical Society Train Show May 3-4, 2014, at the East Texas Fairgrounds - Harvey Hall Civic Center in Tyler. Organized in 1999, the Loblolly Crew is a group of East Texas men who enjoy promoting and sharing their model train hobby with railroad enthusiasts and visitors. The group is based in Longview, and additional information regarding their hobby can be viewed online at www.easttexas-modeltrains.org/lrr/.

Sponsors for this year's event are the Stephen F. Austin State University Center for Regional Heritage Research, City of Nacogdoches and Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, contact the Center for Regional Heritage and Research at (936) 468-3953. The event is free and open to the public.