Make tracks for model-train fest

Grab your hat and train whistle, it's all aboard for a festival featuring model trains of all sizes. Tracks are laid throughout the Washington State History Museum for the 14th annual Model Train Festival.

Visitors can see nine model train systems, including everything from a 1,000-pound scaled-down locomotive to a layout the size of a fingernail. New this year is an extended layout of Playmobil figures and accessories, and the house being built by "little workers" in the ongoing layout by the Mt. Rainier N-Scale club is now adding on its second story. Don't miss the opportunity to view the largest permanent model train layout in the state, created by the Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers.

The smallest train fans are in for a treat. At the Cannonball Express station, children can build and run their own trains. On Sunday, hands-on train-themed activities will be provided by ParentMap magazine. And this year, the museum's expanded hours provide plenty of time to see the trains.

Laurie Dunlap, Seattle Times staff