LA HABRA : Raised Train a New High for Museum

Visitors entering Children’s Museum at La Habra will miss the museum’s latest display if they fail to look up. An elevated model train now chugs along a 102-foot track throughout the reception area.

Two trains, a freight train and a passenger train, roll along the tracks suspended 8 1/2 feet above the floor of the museum’s reception area. As they glide along the steel rails, they pass billboards, houses and other small buildings displayed on backdrops along the walls beside the tracks. Authenticity is added by operating crossing gates, lighted gooseneck lamps and railroad flashing lights.

The display was donated by the Lionel Corp. of Michigan, famous for its model trains. The layout of the miniature railroad was designed and constructed by local members of the Southern Pacific Division of the Toy Train Operating Society.

“This has been a wonderful experience,” said Melissa Banning, spokeswoman for the museum. “It’s a great addition to our museum.”

The museum already has a model-train exhibit, which was developed and is maintained by the society. But that one is a more traditional display, mounted on a table with tiny matchbox-size towns alongside.

The museum is housed in a 1923 depot at 301 S. Euclid St. Admission is $2.50 for children and senior citizens, and $3 for adults. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.