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Snow Hill model train display reopens for holidays

(Dec. 8, 2016) In the main showroom of the Pocomoke River Canoe Company, there is an easy-to-miss steep staircase that transports visitors to a different time, and a different place — almost.
Clearly patterned on Snow Hill, but based on a more industrial take on the town, the Corddry Company Crossing reimagines the county seat as a bustling shipping hub, one supporting about a dozen different track loops moving all manner of goods from place to place.
Snow Hill, in Corddry country — named for a family that used to own several properties near the canoe company — also has a couple of things the town would appear to have based on the name, but doesn’t: hills. This is, of course, an aesthetic decision because model trains are barely model trains without a tunnel or two to send the iron horse chugging through.
The company was built by a group of hobbyists working over several years — at least 15, recalls canoe company owner and model train enthusiast Barry Laws.
“We started with two tracks going all the way around,” the upstairs of the canoe company, Laws said. “Then we added the river.”
More details emerged over the years. Sometimes the additions were small — this year’s offering in a trolley track. Sometimes more elaborate changes are made. What has emerged is a bustling town complete with residential and industrial areas, a roundhouse for manipulating the engines, bridges, utilities and shopping areas in miniature.
It even has weather — the press of a button will summon rolling thunder, and another button will trigger a light-up lightning bolt on the painted mural storm squall in the background.
“Putting it all together, there are hundreds of man hours up here,” Laws said. “Not many have the space we do and I just enjoy it, the kids enjoy it and it gives everyone something else to do at Christmas.”
The Corddry Company Crossing is only open to the public during the winter months, and is open on weekends during December between 1 pm. and 4 p.m. There is no cost to visit, but there is a donation box near the display.
The company will not be on display on Christmas Day, but will be open on New Year’s Eve and Day.
Special arrangements can be made for a private gathering by calling (410) 632-3971.