Where Memories Keep Rolling: Island Creek Model Railroad Club Opens in Downtown Logan

Shana Nelson | WVOW News

LOGAN  The Island Creek Model Railroad Club added extra holiday magic during its grand opening Friday evening. Families stopped in before, during, and after the City of Logan’s Christmas Parade to enjoy the club’s model train displays and share in the spirit of the season.

The club, which began nearly 38 years ago, has been affiliated with groups in Huntington, Charleston, and Bluefield in the past. According to Club President Virgil Vernatter, it has been without a permanent home for the past six years.

Virgil Vernatter has been President of the Island Creek Model Railroad Club for the last 19-20 years.

Now settled into the former Peebles building in Downtown Logan, members say they’re eager to share their love of model railroading with the community.

“We do anything we can to promote it and help our kids and keep our history going,” Vernatter said.

A custom painted Nu Era Bakery train car created by the Island Creek Model Railroad Club can be found on the display.

Vernatter pointed out individual pieces of the display, noting the time and creativity involved in the hobby. Some train cars carried real coal, while others were custom painted with local businesses in mind: including a Nu-Era Bakery train car.

As president of the club for the last 19 to 20 years, Vernatter didn’t hesitate when asked how long he’s loved trains.

“Since I was able to know what one was. I’m not afraid to say I’m 72 and still got a lot more years to go to push ’em again,” he said.

That passion has continued into the next generation. His daughter, Rachel Vernatter, grew up traveling around Southern West Virginia with her father and the club.

Today, she shares that same joy with her five children. With ages ranging from 15 months to 19 years, she said it’s been special watching model railroads delight kids at every stage of childhood.

“You get to watch them experience different things at different times of it and it’s exciting, I think,” Rachel said. 

Another member who enjoys spreading that excitement is David “Little Dave” Long. When asked about his favorite part of the hobby, he gestured to the crowd around him.

“This right here,” he said, surrounded by smiling visitors.

Guests enjoying David "Little Dave" Long's model train display.

Long also created his own display: a vintage Lionel O-gauge layout that greets guests as soon as they walk in.

David “Little Dave” Long's display of a Lionel O-gauge layout .

“We’ve been to Bluefield and Huntington with a big, big layout, Charleston Civic Center and stuff like that,” he added, reflecting on previous venues where the club has exhibited their displays.

Sharing the hobby locally is what means the most to him now.

“I want people to come out and see this, you know? That’s what I mean. And we’ve got our own building now, and I want people to come in,” Long said.

For many in Logan County, trains represent a deep part of the area’s past. Club member Frederick Bradley Jr. said that history is a part of the county’s identity.

“Logan County was definitely built on coal and trains. Trains delivered the coal and all that. You still have the tipple at Holden, you have tipples at Man, up Rum Creek,” Bradley explained.

The working miniature drive-in theater created by Bradley was a highlight for guests.

Bradley, who handles media and computer projects for the club, built a working miniature drive-in theater for one section of the display. A small media device allows visitors to watch real movies while taking in the train layout.

Like many of the club’s members, Bradley said his love of trains started early.

“Mom said when I was like in diapers, I’d hear the train horn come up 21 Holden. I’d run through the house and try to do my arm to get the engineer to blow his horn,” he recalled with a laugh.

Seeing kids now enjoy the displays feels like a full-circle moment.

“As you can see, some of your older men back there, they were little once. And they got to experience that. I want to bring that to these little guys,” Bradley said.

The model drive-in theater was playing Rio Lobo with John Wayne on the night of the club's grand opening.

Looking ahead, the club hopes to add a museum and begin offering train and railroad safety classes for kids in the summer.

The Island Creek Model Railroad Club has about 15 members and is hoping to welcome new ones. The organization operates entirely through donations, and members say community support keeps the trains running. Anyone wishing to donate can call 304-752-6032.

Regular hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on the first and third Saturdays of each month from noon to 5 p.m.

Special viewings and group visits may be scheduled by calling 304-752-6032.

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