Trains Around the Christmas Tree!  How Did This Holiday Tradition Start?

December 4, 2023

The tradition of trains encircling the base of the Christmas tree carries a timeless charm that traces back to a time gone by. Originating in the late 19th century, this tradition emerged alongside the rise of the railroads, capturing the fascination with locomotives and the spirit of Christmas in a delightful convergence. The first toy […]

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#176 The Big Train Project Status Report: 2023 Christmas Layout

November 27, 2023

The Halloween and Christmas holidays are the busiest time of the year for EnterTRAINment Junction (EJ).  To provide visitors with added incentives to come, EJ sets up special attractions prior to Halloween and prior to Christmas in its Display Area.  One of the biggest challenges for the EJ employees and volunteers is the change-over from […]

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A Train Journey Helps a Friend Remember What Thanksgiving is All About

November 20, 2023

One year for Thanksgiving, my friend Maria went on a cross-country train trip to visit her family. As she settled into her seat, she noticed the diverse group of passengers onboard—families with excited children, elderly couples sharing stories, and solo travelers lost in their books. Midway through the journey, the train unexpectedly stopped due to […]

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The Most Popular Halloween Costumes of the 2000’s

October 23, 2023

Halloween costume trends in the 2000s were influenced by various pop culture references, including movies, TV shows, celebrities, and iconic characters. Here are some popular Halloween costumes from the 2000’s Harry Potter Characters: With the popularity of the Harry Potter films, characters like Harry, Hermione, and Ron became fun costume choices. Pirates: The “Pirates of […]

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Popular Halloween Costumes for the 1990’s

October 9, 2023

If you remember trick-or-treat in the 90’s you might remember some to the these costumes.  Although your standard monsters were still around “pop favorites” change all the time. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The TMNT were a huge hit in the early ’90s, and dressing up as Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, or Raphael was a common choice. […]

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Popular Halloween Costumes for the 1980’s

October 2, 2023

So did you trick-or-treat in the 80’s…I remember seeing some of these characters back then but rarely see any of them these days. Freddy Krueger: The character from the “Nightmare on Elm Street” film series, with his distinctive striped sweater and glove with knives, was a terrifyingly popular costume choice. Michael Jackson: Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” […]

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S.T.E.A.M. Trains

September 12, 2023

S.T.E.A.M. education, which integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, is a powerful approach to learning that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Surprisingly, the world of railroads provides a captivating context to understand how these disciplines converge in a real-world application. Science: The science behind railroads encompasses the physics of motion and friction. […]

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Beside Thomas , Who are the Most Popular Thomas & Friends Trains

August 14, 2023

While “Thomas & Friends” primarily revolves around Thomas the Tank Engine, there are several other popular trains in the show that have captured the hearts of audiences over the years. Here are some of the most notable ones: Percy: Percy is Thomas’ best friend and a small green engine. He’s known for being quite cheeky […]

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Some Common Steam Locomotives in US History

July 30, 2023

The era of steam locomotives in the United States conjures up images of a bygone era, where these mighty machines forged their way through vast landscapes, connecting communities and shaping the nation’s growth. While countless steam locomotives once roamed the rails, a few iconic models stand out for their historical significance. In this blog, we’ll […]

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Craft Shows: Celebrating the Artistry of Handmade Goods Throughout History

July 18, 2023

Craft shows have a rich history that dates back centuries, offering a unique platform for artisans to showcase their skills and creativity. These shows provide a vibrant marketplace where handmade goods and artistic craftsmanship take center stage, connecting artisans with eager buyers and fostering a sense of community. The origins of craft shows can be […]

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Who Makes G-Scale Trains?

July 11, 2023

G-scale trains have captivated model train enthusiasts and hobbyists for decades. Known for their larger size and outdoor use, G-scale trains offer a unique and immersive experience. If you’re considering diving into the world of G-scale trains, you might wonder, “Who makes G-scale trains?” In this blog post, we will explore some of the prominent […]

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A Brief History of Pokémon

June 29, 2023

Pokémon traces its roots back to 1996 when Game Freak released Pokémon Red and Green in Japan. These innovative games allowed players to capture, train, and battle creatures called Pokémon. The franchise quickly gained worldwide popularity, with Pokémon Red and Blue captivating audiences in North America and Europe in 1998. The games were accompanied by […]

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All Aboard: Exploring the Fascinating World of Model Trains

June 22, 2023

Step into the captivating world of model trains, where intricate replicas of locomotives, detailed landscapes, and the rhythmic clickety-clack of tiny wheels on tracks bring a timeless fascination to life. Model trains have captured the hearts of enthusiasts young and old, offering a unique blend of craftsmanship, engineering, and imagination. In this blog post, we […]

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Top 5 Most Famous Fictional Trains

May 30, 2023

Trains have been an important part of literature and popular culture, and fictional trains have inspired countless stories and legends. While many of the world’s most famous trains are real, some of the most iconic trains are fictional. Here are the top five famous fictional trains: The Hogwarts Express – This fictional train from the […]

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Ideas For Your Toddlers Birthday!

May 15, 2023

A toddler’s birthday party is a special occasion that should be filled with fun, laughter, and memorable experiences. If you’re planning a birthday party for your little one, it can be overwhelming to come up with the perfect theme, decorations, activities, and food. Here are some ideas to help make your toddler’s birthday party a […]

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Why Do Trains Have Multiple Horns?

April 25, 2023

Train horns have been an essential part of the railway industry since the early 1800s. Train horns are not just simple warning devices, but they also communicate different messages to railroad workers and pedestrians. The main reason why trains have multiple horns is to have multiple tones.  The various tones make it easier to distinguish […]

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Have a Train Themed Birthday Party!

April 14, 2023

Are you or your child a fan of trains? If so, why not throw a train-themed birthday party? It’s a fun and unique theme that’s sure to delight train enthusiasts of all ages. To start, set the scene with train decorations. You can use toy trains, train tracks, and railroad signs to create a train […]

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How Do Train Crashes Happen?

April 6, 2023

As recent national news reminded us, trains are a vital part of our everyday life. Even when we are not riding them to work or across long distances to family and friends, they are carrying materials and ingredients to help build a nation. Day and night, trains are running across the face of the nation. […]

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Ames Rooms and Other Amazing Optical Illusions

April 3, 2023

Optical illusions have always fascinated people, and the Ames Room is no exception. The Ames Room is a distorted room that creates an optical illusion that makes people appear smaller or larger than they really are. It is named after its creator, American ophthalmologist Adelbert Ames Jr., who designed it in 1946. The Ames Room […]

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Marble Collecting for Kids: How to Get Started

March 17, 2023

If your child is interested in collecting marbles, it can be a great opportunity for them to learn about history, art, and culture while developing their motor skills and coordination. Here are some tips to help your child start their marble collection: Begin with a set of basic marbles – Start by getting a set […]

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