A Canton-based group of model railroad enthusiasts from across metro Atlanta is picking up steam in its efforts to keep the hobby alive.

The Southern O Scalers is a two-rail O Scale modular railroad club that has been promoting O Scale modeling for about seven years.

Next month, the club will run its trains on a 33-by-16-foot layout at the historic train depot in downtown Holly Springs to generate interest. The event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15, is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted.

The club conducted its first show in Holly Springs two years ago and saw a "fairly large" turnout, said member Stuart Caul. This year, the club is hoping for a better turnout, especially since another metro Atlanta model railroad club will be in attendance.

Caul said the Southern O Scalers club is hoping to get younger people interested in model railroading.

"Right now, children are starting to associate it with 'Thomas the Tank Engine,'" he said, referring to the fictional steam locomotive popular among children through a TV series and films. "We hope to keep that going and keep it alive."

Club member Richard Morhard said O Scale is a small minority in the model railroading community. He said the size of scale requires a large space, and it is hard to find items that you need at local hobby shops, forcing hobbyists to mail-order supplies.

"It is going to be a dying hobby if we don't get more people into it," he said.

The club has six active members, who try to meet at least monthly in Canton to work on the track.

Morhard said there is more to the hobby than just learning about railroads. Skills in the hobby can be of use in other pursuits, he said, such as working with wood and electricity and developing arts and craft skills by creating scenery.

Caul said toy trains are associated with Christmas, and with the season coming up, he hopes the November show will make people want "keep the interest going all year."

Membership is open to anyone 16 years of age or older. The club also enhances members' knowledge of construction, scenery, electronics and operation.

For information, call (770) 337-5139.