Kids Korner Rolls Again: Inspiring the Next Generation at York
By Robert Newman, TCA #99-49679 Fall 2025 e*Train
After a few years of absence, Kids Korner made a triumphant return to the Eastern Division’s York Train Fair in April 2023—and it’s been full steam ahead ever since! Now conveniently located in the Orange Hall, Kids Korner has found its new home, where both TCA members and the general public can easily find it. The move has brought new energy, bigger crowds, and plenty of smiles as the next generation of train lovers discover the magic of York.
A Place for Young Engineers
Kids Korner has always been about one thing: sharing the joy of toy trains with the youngest members of our community. Designed as a hands-on, interactive space, it gives children a chance to play, learn, and explore the hobby at their own pace. From the moment families step through the Orange Hall doors, they’re greeted with the sounds of laughter, excitement, and, of course, the steady hum of trains in motion.
Among the many attractions are battery-operated ride-on trains that little engineers can drive around on their own, wooden toy train sets that encourage creativity and problem-solving, and a wind-up train layout with a chalkboard base, where kids can draw their own scenery and trackside designs. Every table and layout is designed with young imaginations in mind—nothing too delicate, nothing off-limits, and everything hands-on.
The latest addition has been an exciting hit: a floor-level O-27 layout with an oval of track for Marx electric trains. Set right on the ground, this simple yet captivating setup allows children to get down to eye level with the trains as they circle around. It’s a throwback to the way many of us first discovered the hobby—on the living room floor, running a loop of track, eyes wide with wonder.
Built on Generosity and Community
Everything in Kids Korner has been made possible through the incredible generosity of our members and friends. The trains, track, wooden toys, prizes, and even the sweet treats for the kids—all of it has been donated. Every locomotive, every freight car, every battery, and bottle of bubbles has a story behind it, and every bit of it contributes to keeping the magic of trains alive for the next generation.
When we reopened in 2023, attendance was modest at first, but as word spread across the halls, more and more families began to stop by. Now, with each passing show, the crowds grow larger and more enthusiastic. We see children returning from previous years, this time bringing their siblings or friends. We’ve watched shy toddlers become confident engineers, proudly showing off how to make a train go around the track. That sense of continuity—of families returning, of memories being made—is what makes all the effort worthwhile.
Carrying the Torch
Kids Korner has a long and meaningful history within the Eastern Division. The program was originally started by Bud Ritter, Bill Spanarelli, and Sandy and Clem Clement, who understood that the long-term success of the TCA depends on getting young people involved early. Over the years, leadership passed through caring hands—Mary and Pat Jackson, and later Pam and Chuck Morosky—each bringing their own passion and creativity to the project. Today, it’s carried forward by the Newman family, who continue the tradition with renewed energy and commitment.
Like many TCA efforts, Kids Korner is a family affair. My dad and my sons are right there with me during setup, staffing, and teardown. We unload boxes, set up layouts, test trains, and make sure every display is ready to run by Thursday morning. But we also try to make time to enjoy the rest of the York experience—because, at the end of the day, we’re hobbyists too! That’s why we’re always on the lookout for new volunteers who can lend a hand, even for just a couple of hours during the show.
Join the Crew!
If you’ve ever walked by Kids Korner and seen the joy on the kids’ faces, you already know how rewarding it can be to help out. Whether you’re greeting families, keeping trains on the track, or handing out door prizes, every small act makes a difference. Even a short volunteer shift can help ensure every child has a chance to play, learn, and maybe fall in love with the hobby that has given us all so much.
And here’s a little bonus—if you can volunteer for four or more hours during the show, you’ll receive free volunteer admission to the entire York event! It’s a small way for us to say thank you for helping us keep this wonderful tradition alive.
If you’d like to join the team, please reach out to me via email at [email protected] or give me a call at (570) 713-8282. You don’t need any special experience—just a smile, a love of trains, and a willingness to help kids discover something new.
The Future of the Hobby
Every time we see a child’s eyes light up when a train starts moving, or hear a parent say, “I had one just like that when I was little,” we’re reminded why Kids Korner matters. It’s more than a play area—it’s an investment in the future of our hobby. Each child who leaves with a good memory or a spark of curiosity might one day be the next collector, restorer, or even TCA member helping to carry the torch forward.
At York, we celebrate the past and the present of model railroading—but Kids Korner represents the future. With your help, we can continue to keep the wheels turning, the whistles blowing, and the next generation “on track” for a lifetime of enjoyment.
Let’s work together to keep getting kids started in their ‘train’ing. After all, they are the engineers of tomorrow—and the future of the Train Collectors Association™!
