Gather ’round the railroad on July 29 at 3 p.m. This afternoon outing is an opportunity for model railroad buffs to chat and share stories while watching the trains round the tracks of the 60 by 16-foot wide model railroad “Garden” landscape that Jack Dexter has created in the backyard of his Edgecomb home.

On the 29th, Dexter will have four trains running simultaneously. Both diesel and steam, passenger and freight these models represent trains from the early 1950s when real railroads would have been using both their old steam engines and their new diesels. Jack’s railroad tracks in the garden layout include 14 buildings, people, cars, trucks and other details to make the scene look as realistic as possible. In addition, of course, there are the plants and mother nature.

Jack Dexter and his wife Carol have been working on their model railroad for more than 15 years. Like a house, there is always something to do. Weeds, high winds, rain, critters and harsh winters take their toll.

“It's all worth it, though, when we sit on our screened in porch and watch trains run,” Jack Dexter said.

Participant fee in support of the programs and services offered by Spectrum Generations Coastal Community Center is $5. Lemonade and cookies will be served. Advanced registration required; call 207-563-1363. Directions to Jack and Carol’s home will be available when one's reservation is made.