October 30, 2004

Contact:

Amy Vineyard
Adventure Science Center
avineyard@adventuresci.com
615-401-5059

Christi Williams
Seigenthaler Public Relations
christi@seig-pr.com
615-327-7999

Nashville, TN - Railroad enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy a wide array of model trains at the Adventure Science Center's 18th annual Whistlestop! November 11 through 14. One of the Science Center's most popular events, it has become a favorite way for families to kick off the holiday season.

"For many of us, model trains evoke warm memories of the past and of getting together with family and friends," said Larry Dunlap-Berg, an Adventure Science Center educator. "Whistlestop! seems to only get better with age. We work with a terrific group of collectors who amaze us every year with their elaborate, festive operating layouts.

Whistlestop! will feature a plethora of model trains of all sizes -- from Z, N and G scales to HO, S, and standard gauge antiques. For the first time, visitors will get to see an operating model of the Music City Star commuter train, which is scheduled to begin serving Davidson and Wilson County residents next year. Kusan model trains, which were manufactured in the Nashville area decades ago, also will be on display. Each model runs on its own track configuration, and is operated by local train club members and other collectors who volunteer to share their trains and knowledge with Science Center visitors.

The Science Center will host additional railroad activities on Friday and Saturday, November 12 and 13, including free rides for children and adults on a human-sized model train, and free bounces for young children inside an inflatable Thomas the Tank Engine. Segway of Nashville will also be present on Saturday to let visitors explore another alternate form of transportation by taking the company's Human Transport vehicle for a test drive.

In addition, the Center's own Lionel O display will be on view through mid-January. This layout features replicas of Nashville landmarks, a miniature Jurassic Park and snow-capped mountains. Visitors will be able to control aspects of the layout such as lights, railroad crossings and children playing ice hockey.

Whistlestop! is sponsored by Phillips Toy Mart of Nashville, and longtime science center supporters Jack and Clare Fisher and Will and Joan Cheek. The Music City Star model is made possible thanks to a new partnership between Adventure Science Center, the Regional Transportation Authority and Nashville NTRAK.

For nearly 60 years, Adventure Science Center has brought science to life for children in Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, Northern Alabama and beyond. The center offers hands-on, interactive exhibits and engaging programs that encourage children of all ages to explore how science, invention and innovation affect their lives. Adventure Science Center encourages imagination and curiosity, and engages the senses in the fascinating world of science.

Adventure Science Center's regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8.75 for adults and $6.75 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors age 65 and older. The Science Center is located at 800 Fort Negley Blvd. For more information, call (615) 862-5160 or visit our web site at www.adventuresci.com.