Imagine the thrill on a child's face when a model railroad set arrives as a special gift. I, too, recall that sense of excitement from my own childhood. Assembling and operating a model train set can truly offer countless hours of delightful entertainment. Not only that, but these miniature replicas can also bring both entertainment and education to adults. Today, we are about to meet a remarkable group of model railroaders in rural Kansas who are sharing their passion with others.

Unlock the Magic of Model Trains in Rural Kansas

Volunteer Les Kuehne and His Love for Model Trains

Les Kuehne, a dedicated volunteer with the Frankfort Subdivision Model Train Club, has a fascinating story. He worked in Manhattan and retired from the Farrar Corporation but always had a soft spot for model trains. "My uncle gave me a train set as a kid," he shared. Model trains have long captivated groups of train enthusiasts, and the Manhattan Area Rail Joiners was one such group. Dr. Roger Reitz from Manhattan was an active member.When that group disbanded, some members wanted to keep the hobby alive. They had model railroad supplies stored in trailers. "One of our members worked for Wanklyn Oil and they had an empty storage building in Frankfort," Kuehne explained. With permission, this became their clubhouse. Renaming themselves as the Frankfort Subdivision Model Train Club, they continued their journey.Jim Turner of Olsburg and others are actively involved along with Kuehne. This club not only researches and educates people about Kansas rail history but is also committed to the enjoyment of model railroading and helping individuals create their own railroads.

The Permanent Layout and Modules at the Clubhouse

At the clubhouse in Frankfort, the Frankfort Subdivision showcases its HO model trains with a permanent layout. The small track sections, displayed in six-foot models of specific landscapes, are called modules. These modules are carefully assembled and connected to form a complete track, which is then displayed at various events and locations across the region. This includes the train show in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Wamego Tulip Festival, Herington Railroad Days, Olsburg Fall Festival, Topeka Train Show, Manhattan Public Library, and more.The modules are built to meet the standards of the National Model Railroads Association. Placed on platforms for easy viewing, they are connected with electrical connections beneath to operate the trains. When kids see these displays, they are often mesmerized by the moving trains and the tiny landscapes they operate in.The Frankfort Subdivision has approximately 30 modules, and volunteers have mastered the art of setting up and operating a display in just two hours. A typical display features three lanes of track with trains moving in different directions, passing through tunnels, over rivers, and around buildings. The tiny model landscapes add an extra touch of charm.Each module depicts a unique landscape such as a farm scene, train yard, industrial area, or downtown. These include tiny buildings with tiny people, some with a whimsical touch like the Addams Family module or the one with little dinosaurs among the trees."The detail work on these modules is truly an art form," Kuehne emphasized. "We get to share our hobby with people and also provide education. Sometimes engineering students need to build displays like this, and we can assist them.""I'm involved with Operation Lifesaver, a railroad crossing safety initiative," he added. "There's also a Boy Scout merit badge in model railroading. We're happy to have fun with trains while serving the public."It's wonderful to find this group sharing their interest in the rural community of Frankfort, which has a population of 717 people. Now, that truly represents rural charm.For more information, find the Frankfort Subdivision Model Train Club on Facebook. We salute Les Kuehne, Jim Turner, and all those involved for making a significant impact with their enthusiasm for model trains.So, what can provide excitement and education about railroads for both the young and the old? The answer is clear: it's a train set.