A local model railroad group will hold a workshop to spark community interest in one of the world’s most lucrative hobbies.

The Pamlico Model Railroaders will be hosting a free Make and Take Workshop on Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. until noon for men, women and children. The workshop will be held at Second Baptist Church, 2516 West Fifth St. in Washington. It will include how-to instruction, an operating model train layout and a display, said Bob Burroughs, a member of the group who has been involved with trains since 1946 when he received his first electric train as a Christmas gift.

Burroughs, originally from Maryland, said the group encourages families and individuals to come out to the workshop and participate. With the closest club in New Bern, Burroughs hopes there will be some in Beaufort County who will want to get involved.

“Model railroading, as big as it is worldwide, I’m sure there are some in the Beaufort County area, we just need to get them to come out of the woodwork,” Burroughs said. “I’d really like to use it as an outreach ministry. The idea is to get mom and dad and the kids together and getting them to work on a project together. We’ll be showing them through this Make and Take Workshop to build dioramas and maybe it will kindle some interest.”

Burroughs said the workshop will feature instruction on decorating a one-square-foot model, and there will also be displays of previously constructed layouts. The group will lead participants through the process of how to construct the sections of track, roadbed and materials for scenery, a lot of which can be found in one’s own backyard, Burroughs said.

The finished products will be taken home by participants, Burroughs said. The group currently has material stocked up for about 64 people and could accommodate another 30 to 40 participants.

Burroughs, who has participated in model railroading expos and clubs, said he enjoys the fellowship and teamwork that comes along with participating in the two and a half to three billion dollar industry.

“It’s working with people and enjoying watching their faces when they first see a model railroad up and operating,” Burroughs said. “Just to watch them and the looks on their faces. It’s an interesting hobby. It’s the world’s greatest hobby. Most people don’t realize it.”

For those interested in attending, the group would like to receive an RSVP email in order to get a count of how much materials and supplies that will be needed, Burroughs said.

To RSVP for the Make and Take Workshop or for more information, contact pamlicomodelrailroaders.org.