KOSCIUSKO —
You never get too old to play is a thought that comes frequently to the mind of Jerry Edwards as he makes an adjustment to his train set which is displayed at Doty’s Furniture, his place of employment. And, he feels fortunate that he has been able to take his hobby to work.
From early childhood he said he has been fascinated with trains, and has collected rail cars and other items in anticipation of putting them together in a working railroad.
For five months, he said getting the set together was like going to another job after leaving an 8 to 5 job at Doty’s Furniture. “I would work with my trains five and six hours after I got home. It’s almost like having another job,” said Edwards.
The Canadian National and Illinois Central Railroads make up the two major lines of the set. There’s also a track carrying a line of John Deere rail cars. He said he feels fortunate to have one of only 80 of the John Deere cars made.
With the flip of a switch, Edwards starts the trains sending them moving along the tracks. Along the rails is an area of fuel tanks, which he fashioned from tissue holders with lines connecting to the rail cars made from drinking straws. In another area along the tracks is a grain bin complete with dump trucks ready to load on to the railroad. All have been made from cardboard or boards which he has intricately put together.
A place of business, Deborah’s Furniture, sets along the train tracks giving further evidence of his imagination of some of the businesses that might have been in operation along the railroad.
Trees along the trains’ route are made from native grass and small leafy twigs, which he has painted and sprayed to preserve. He created a mass of rocks from paper mache painting them to match the landscape.
“I have gone to Jackson many times and made videos of trains to help me in putting everything together,” Edwards said.
Even though he has a fascination with trains he said he has never had the opportunity to be a passenger.
When customers come to the store, he flips the switch when he sees someone attracted to his trains.
In addition to his train hobby, he has another interest. He plays drums with the band 51 South.
Features
Related Photos
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Jerry Edwards is ready to flip switch to demonstrate his hobby and fascination with trains. Nancy Green
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Trains of Canadian National and Illinois Central Railroads make the rounds on elaborate set at owner’s place of employment. Nancy Green
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Activities along the railroad tracks and are detailed in scenes which he has created along the routes of the trains. Nancy Green
All Aboard!: Edwards’ passion for trains comes to life at Doty’s Furniture
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