Last Day to See Holiday Express Trains at Beaches Library

If you haven’t gotten a chance to visit the Beaches Branch Library over the holiday break, be sure to stop in tomorrow (Saturday 1/4) and catch the Holiday Express trains before they are gone!

Beaches Holiday Express Trains

There’s a whole winter wonderland set up in the Beaches Library, thanks to the Beaches Train Club. The models trains have been running daily since 12/21 and the last day to see them in action is Saturday 1/4/2025.

The trains will be running from 10Am to 5:30 PM.

About Beaches Train Club

Beaches Train Club, formerly known as The Beachnuts, operates O scale model trains at Jacksonville’s beaches and surrounding areas. They are closely associated with the Beaches Museum and Friends of the Beaches Branch Library. Meetings the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

What are O Scale Trains?

O scale model trains are a popular size of model trains used by hobbyists and collectors. The term “O scale” refers to the scale and gauge of the train models, indicating their size in relation to real trains.

Here’s a closer look at what defines O scale model trains:

Scale and Size

• Scale: O scale trains are built at a ratio of 1:48 in the United States, meaning that one inch on the model represents 48 inches on the real train. In the UK and Europe, the ratio is slightly different, often 1:43.5.
• Gauge: The gauge refers to the distance between the rails on the track. For O scale trains, the track gauge is typically 1.25 inches (31.75 mm) wide.

History of O Scale

O scale model trains originated in the early 20th century and became one of the most popular scales for model railroading. Early manufacturers included Lionel and Märklin, whose products helped establish the scale as a standard for hobbyists.

Features of O Scale Trains

• Size: O scale trains are larger than many other scales, such as HO or N, making them highly detailed and visually impressive.
• Durability: Their larger size makes them more robust, which is why they’re often used in displays and with younger hobbyists.
• Detailing: Due to their scale, O scale trains allow for intricate detailing and realistic features, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts.

So, stop by the Beaches Branch Library and check out this unique train exhibit before it heads back to the North Pole!