JEFFERSON TWP — The scene is set for an old-fashioned Christmas at Thorn Creek United Methodist Church, where the Rev. Kurt Knobel's extensive model train collection is on display.

Three layouts show a small town Christmas, complete with Santa's sleigh and the Star of Bethlehem overhead, a summer scene called Christmas in July and a circus that shows fast-moving rides spinning past silk a red-and-white striped silk tent.

All three scenes are encircled by railroad tracks and Knobel's vintage model trains. Collectively, they occupy close to 550 square feet.

"It brings back that old Christmas feeling, that picture of a new train sitting under the tree," Knobel said of the exhibit.

More than 300 people had passed through as of last week.

Knobel, 58, has collected model trains since childhood.

"I go to a lot of train meets and I've worked to get my collection built up," he said.

Over the years, he has gathered 17 steamer trunks and more than 100 packing cartons filled with model train accessories and memorabilia.

"I never thought I'd be pulling out my trains for an exhibit," said Knobel, who last set up a small train display at home about 20 years ago.

The display opened after Thanksgiving and will remain up until the new year.

Construction began on the winter scene in October and took about three weeks, said Andrea Murphy of Middlesex Township, one of about six volunteers who helped build the display.

The winter scene features a glittering papier-mâché mountain, snow covered trees and dozens of Victorian houses with gingerbread trim. At 20 feet by 15 feet, it is the largest scene.

There was a definite learning curve, Murphy said, so the other two scenes came up much faster.

Christmas in July has a parade, miniature car cruise and people gathered in a park with an American flag waving in the breeze. That exhibit measures about 16 feet by 8 feet.

The circus layout is the smallest at 13 feet by 9 feet, but it features moving carnival rides and even a train topped with a lion chasing its trainer.

Knobel was constantly brimming with new ideas during the construction process, Murphy said.

"We'd tell him, 'We need cars with tops, not convertibles,' and he'd come back with houses," she said.

Different aspects of the displays are named after parishioners, Knobel said. For instance, the Hickey Ballroom is named for church member Jean Hickey, who loves to dance.

"We've taken things from our church congregation," he said. "We wanted them to see that they're represented here."

The lights are switched off periodically to show the scenes at night. Viewers will see windows glowing warmly, streetlamps shining and car headlights gleaming on the streets.

Visitors are given a scavenger hunt-style list of people, places and things to look for.

"The other night, we had a group of boys in here who went through two or three times," Knobel said.

Among the most challenging items to find are three bears and a person peeking out of a manhole, Murphy said.

"I love watching the kids come through," Murphy said. "They get such a kick out of looking for different things."

Introducing children to the pastime is a goal of many model train enthusiasts, Knobel said.

"Those of us who've been collecting want to keep the hobby alive," he said.

The display most likely will be set up again next year, with all-new scenes and backdrops.

"I know what I have, it's just a matter of finding it," he said.

Knobel said he gains a sense of satisfaction from the train display, separate from his work as a pastor.

"Sometimes in the ministry, you plan for things but don't see them come to fruition," he said. "Here, you do something and see it completed."

<B>WHAT: </B>Holiday train display<B>WHERE: </B>Thorn Creek United Methodist Church, 142 Rockdale Road, Butler.<B>WHEN: </B>5 to 8 p.m. Fridays, noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 to 8 p.m. Sundays until Jan. 4. Open 5 to 8 p.m. weeknights during the last two weeks of December; closed Dec. 24 and Jan. 1.<B>CONTACT: </B>The Rev. Kurt Knobel, 724-352-4890