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Lynn and
Bobby Daniels Annual Christmas and Model Train Display
Starting over 15 years ago on a 4 X 8 foot train table with a couple loops of track, Bobby and Lynn Daniels (the owners
of Bevell’s ACE Hardware Store) have created one of the East Coast's Premier Model Train and Department 56 Christmas
Village displays. Using Bobby’s knowledge of model O-Gauge trains and Lynn
and Trish Powell’s creative landscaping and “winter wonderland” expertise, Bevell’s
presents a true Christmas Spirit in miniature villages and snow animations - this
wonderful train layout in Blackstone, Virginia has become a “MUST SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT” holiday pilgrimage. Lynn, Bobby’s
wife, has an artist’s touch in bringing the magic of Christmas to hundreds of school kids every year. The young and old alike will always be fascinated by Bobby’s 8 -10 trains making their way through
the Department 56 Christmas Villages, and many animations and miniature buildings of local landmarks – Like the Grove
Drive-In Theater and “Fort Pickett (as it was back in the 1940s.) This display has one of the largest circus displays
around and every year new ideas and more animations are incorporated into the display.
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| OVERALL VIEW OF MODEL RAILROAD LAYOUT |
Bobby Daniel’s Christmas
and holiday's model trains at Bevell’s Ace Hardware Store, Blackstone, Virginia is Southside Virginia's flagship
O-Gauge model railroad layout – it just keeps getting bigger and better.
Complete towns, with vehicles moving on streets, to a drive-in theater that actually shows movies are only a small
part of this extensive model railroad experience. Over 25 animated scenes. In 2007 Bobby’s layout was approximately 50’
by 16’ and feature a special circus display. As seen in the photograph, the Blackstone layout will feature lots of difference
trains and many animated scenes. Last year over 3000 visitors and 500 local school
kids made a special trip to enjoy this fabulous layout. For additional information
on hours and directions, contact Bobby Daniels at Bevell’s Ace Hardware Store, 434-292-7208 – ask for Bobby or
Lynn Daniels.
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| Trish Powell working on Christmas Village Scenes |
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| Dept 56 Winter Wonderland |
Blackstone has a history that is closely related to the N&W
railway. Bobby runs a number of similar trains - some headed by triple articulated "Class A and Y6B" steam engines. Other
popular N&W trains on the layout include the "Powhatan Arrow" passenger train.
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| Real Movie at model of Grove Drive-In |
The old "Grove Drive-In Theater" brings back memories for
everyone that grew up in the Blackstone area. Today, its is showing the movie "Cars" which all the kids can relate
to.
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| Bobby Daniels at the Controls |
Bobby and the whole Bevell's crew and local volunteers
take almost 10 weeks to construct the layout every year. Each year, new features are added and it always looks like
a different exhibit.
One of the oldest animations is the burning house - which the Blackstone fire department
always puts out! Along with all the Christmas and winter animations, these are the most popular animations on the
entire display.
The layout has one of the most complete and highlt detailed
circus scene around. Including many antique circus trains cars, the entire circus has an animated life of its
own!
Thanks to all the volunteers, the Bevells ACE Holiday Model Train Display is open from the day after
Thanksgiving through the second week of January!
Home of "Flat Creek Railway"
- a large O-Gauge Hi-rail Model Railroad
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