Staff photo by Fritz Busch St. James Model Railroad Club member Laurence Lau of Fairmont stands next to an elaborate model train set at Roundhouse Inc., 307 Tiell Dr., St. James Saturday.

ST. JAMES — Several train layouts operating simultaneously catch your attention when you walk into the Roundhouse Inc. model railroad.

A small scale layout depicts downtown St. James, grain elevators and the rail yard. Other layouts depict a city in the 1950s with a lighted fire station, new vehicle showroom and movie theater. Other trains running through forested and mountainous areas sound whistles and realistic sounds.

An interactive Lionel children’s layout allows kids to operate trains.

The railroad clubhouse, 307 Tiell Dr., is open 7-9 p.m. Thursdays and 1-7 p.m. Saturdays. Christmas holiday open house hours are 7-9 p.m. Dec. 12, 19 and 1-5 p.m. Dec. 14, 21.

Fairmont retiree Laurence Lau watched trains in the depot museum Saturday. He said he drives to St. James weekly to spend time around trains.

“I started playing with model trains when I was 13 and continued with them after high school. I joined the club here five years ago. I enjoy trains. I subscribe to “Trains” magazine,” he said.

A U.S. Navy Electronics Technician, Lau served his country from 1962-1966. He later worked as an engineer at Central Telephone in Fairmont.

He retired from the phone company in 2008.

Lau said he really enjoys being a part of the St. James Model Railroad Club.

“These guys put in a lot of time, creating layouts that are so real, it’s a lot of fun for people to come and look. They’re always interested in new people interested in model trains,” he said.

“Layouts are always a work in progress. I help with maintenance on weekdays,” said Lau.

His favorite train is the American Flyer, model trains from 1906 to the 1950s that range in value from $80 to $800.

“Those are the trains I grew up with,” said Lau.

His bucket list includes riding a train powered by a steam engine.

A non-profit organization, Roundhouse Inc. was founded in 1989 by a group of railroad enthusiasts who wanted to promote St. James area history using model railroads.

The City of St. James allowed the group to use an old fire hall initially. The organization moved to its present location before the old fire hall was demolished.

Club members also man a city-owned depot museum next to the clubhouse.

Since opening in 1990, the organization has welcomed more than 9,000 visitors from 31 states and a number of foreign countries.

The club operates its layouts through the generosity of the St. James City Council and local organizations, businesses, individuals, grants, and club memberships.

Tour groups are welcome. They are arranged by appointment only. Call St. James Community Service Director Linda Buller at 507-375-4370 for more information.

The clubhouse can be found from State Highway 60 by taking the 2nd St. James exit, CR 4. It is on the left (west) side of the road.

Admission is free. The club meets 7-9 p.m. Thursdays and 1-7 pm. Saturdays. Meetings are open to visitors.

For more information, visit http://roundhouseinc.org/about.html. The club is on Facebook.