Train exhibit draws a large crowd
HUGHESVILLE Throngs of individuals from all age groups visited displays featuring the Polar Express and W&NB railroad at the East Lycoming Historical Society. The first four-day weekend in December is the annual kickoff for the Christmas Holiday season in Hughesville.
Rob Mueller and staff representing the “Pine Summit” railroad awed audiences with detailed landscapes, most made by artisan friends. On the set, more than 350 elves gathered round a Christmas tree during festivities at the North Pole on Christmas Eve. The elves’ tiny bodies were made from pipe cleaners and their beads were painted with facial features to represent all ethnicities.
While Santa rotated above the lighted tree on lift-off from the North Pole, an eagle above a nearby mountain circled a nest constructed of rosemary. Skaters glided in rhythm on an icy pond as waterfalls reflected the Northern Lights. Houses and stations were decked with bobbles and beads for decorative appeal.
Added wonderment arose when the Polar Express disappeared momentarily into the mountain, the explanation remaining a secret with the builders.
Mueller said he’d watched the movie several hundred times, often frame by frame so as to tweak the train set as close as possible to the film.
While the Polar Express has gone to another site, visitors can continue enjoying museum displays and browse the gift shop from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 11 and 18.