A group of model train enthusiasts are calling community residents to join them in one of America’s favorite hobbies.

Starting Tuesday, the Pamlico Model Railroaders will host monthly meetings at the Family Life Center of Second Baptist Church, giving attendees instruction and demonstrations on how to build and operate model train layouts, said member Bob Burroughs.

The model workshop meetings will continue the first Tuesday of each month, from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. and teach participants what is needed to start building layouts and where to find the items needed, Burroughs said. Building workshops will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month, at which participants will actively take part in building layouts for model trains.

Burroughs said the organization hopes to promote model railroading among families to bring them closer together, as well as a draw to bring people to the church, and in turn, God.

“Families are getting so far apart today, and we wanted to use model railroading to bring families closer together,” Burroughs said. “Families can work together and build some relationships. Dad’s can teach the kids how to use their minds to build something like the layouts and electrical wiring to operate the trains. Albert Einstein once said he felt that technology would destroy families and public interaction. And he was right. With this, the idea is let’s get back together and do stuff that everyone can enjoy.”

Burroughs said participants can work in groups on a layout or work on their own at home once they learn how to get started. With a rich history of railroads in Beaufort County, those interested could replicate various landmarks in the county that portray that history, Burroughs said.

And though model railroading may take time and patience, it is a hobby that is not over expensive, Burroughs said. Many items used to decorate layouts can be found rather than purchased.

“Railroading in this area has had a lot to do with the community and becoming what it is,” Burroughs said. “Railroads built this country. It’s a popular item, and it’s not something you have to spend megabucks on. A lot of materials you use, you can find in your yard or at your home.”

Burroughs and the group also want to continue their outreach and extend an invitation for people to join the group and learn about the hobby. The group is also willing to partner with churches and local organizations to host open houses, at which the group would come set up a layout and give demonstrations to spark interest among community members and pass on knowledge about model railroading, Burroughs said.

“We want to try and reach some of the youth,” Burroughs said. “The basic thing is to build some interest. Those that want to get into it, we’ll work with them to get materials. We want to promote creativity. That’s something they don’t teach at schools today — thinking outside the box and learning.”

For more information, including items to bring to the building workshop, contact the Pamlico Model Railroaders at pamlicomodelrailroaders@gmail.com or call Bob Burroughs at 252-402-3214.