‘Train Man’ returns to showcase model set

If you’re into model train collections, this was the weekend for you. That’s because area “Train Man” Michael Larvich returned for his annual showcase at the Deschutes Public Library in downtown Bend

Some of the pieces to the set date all the way back to the 1920s. Although he’s never worked on a real train, Larvich said he got his inspiration from his grandfather, who was a railroader.

Now, with the help of his son, Larvich is able to excite people of all ages.

“When we first start rolling those trains, we get kids just jumping up and down, shouting and giggling,” Larvich said. “They’re just so taken by it all.”

Larvich has been displaying his model train set at the library since 2000. He typically does a showcase once a year, but is planning on doing smaller version this spring at the High Desert Museum.

If you haven’t gotten a chance to see his model trains, Monday is the last chance this year to see the display, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.