Model train buffs chug into Niles

NILES — Hundreds showed up to test the tracks at the Youngstown Model Railroad Association’s train and model railroad flea market.

About 150 vendors set up displays of model trains, railroads, books, photos and other various equipment this afternoon at McMenamy’s Restaurant and Banquet Center on U.S. Route 422, hoping to catch the eye of a passing enthusiast.

Jim Pope, president of the railroad association, said the flea market is in its 13th year at McMenamy’s and its 35th year overall.

Pope said the association has the flea market twice per year, once in January and once in March. He said January’s attendance was down because of a snowstorm that hit the area the day before, but he was happy to see attendance back up today.

Read the full story in Monday’s Vindicator and on vindy.com