Two floors of model railroads can be viewed at the “Railroad Days” events hosted by the Black Diamond Society of Model Engineers at their headquarters at 900 E. Macada Road.

The event is located in a former Grange Hall since 1981, where club members have built and reworked miniature landscapes beginning in 1965. The model urban and rural environments are dominated by ‘miles’ of tracks, model steam and diesel locomotives, and rolling stock including passenger carriages and freight cars.

BDSME has operated out of various locations in Bethlehem, Hellertown and Easton throughout its more than 50-year history. One of their Easton club buildings burned down in 1973, destroying all but a locomotive bell, which was returned to a former member, and the club’s antique trolley fare box.

The first floor boasts a 650-square-foot layout featuring O, On30 and S scale trains, along with prototype sounds and operating signals.

A model HO scale display occupies 800 square feet on the second floor with a long WWII era train carrying tanks and other military freight snaking its way through mountains, valleys, cities, small towns and rail yards. An amusement park is one of many highlights.

Accompanied by his wife and grandchildren, Jim McAllister from Glendon mentioned his dad, Robert, was one of the founding members of the model railroad club, as he pointed to Robert’s photo in an old newspaper clipping displayed on the wall near the HO gauge layout. “Everyone called him ‘Mac,’ he recalled. His late father had also built a large garden railway in his yard.

The last open house event for 2022 has passed. Model rail fans will be able to observe these miniature railroad empires Jan. 7, 8, 14 and 15, and again Feb. 4 and 5, 2023 from 1 - 4 p.m., as another year’s “Railroad Days” gets on track. The members also host a Boy Scout night once a year every December.

Membership is open to anyone interested in model railroading. The society meets regularly on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m.

For information, visit www.bdsme.org