Model railroading is often called the world’s greatest hobby. About 25 Hutchinson-area model railroaders, age 10 to 75, share that view. They belong to Luce Line Railroad Club Inc.

The club, which rents space at Hutchinson Mall, 1060 State Highway 15 S., was formed by a half-dozen model railroad enthusiasts in late 1993. All members also belong to the National Model Railroad Association.

The Luce Line Club is named after one of the three railroads that once served Hutchinson. It has a 30-foot-long HO scale empire, as well as a 12-foot long O scale pike. Member Stan Koci also operates his vintage American Flyer (S scale) layout. Member Terry Davis brings his detailed and diminutive N scale layouts to the club’s shows. The club is open from 7 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first and third Saturday of each month.

Luce Line members host two large model railroad shows each year. The smaller spring show at Hutchinson Mall is April 12. It features a flea market of model railroad equipment for sale and several portable model railroads.

This year’s fall show is Oct. 11 at the McLeod County Fairgrounds. This larger show attracts more than 400 people, about 50 tables of sellers and more than a dozen model railroads in several scales.

Luce Line members also have displayed their traveling model railroads at Cosmos, New Ulm, St. James, Stewart, the Twin Cities, Willmar, Windom and Milbank, S.D. A new traveling HO scale layout is being planned.

Luce Line members have completed a cosmetic restoration of the former Great Northern/Dakota Rail depot in downtown Hutchinson. Long-range plans are to restore the depot to its past glory.

For more information, call Bruce Crosby at (320) 587-8073, or e-mail him at abcrosby@hutchtel.net.

The club’s Web site is: luceline.tripod.com/main.html.