Over the last 25 years, the Rustemeyer family of Chicago has been transforming their backyard into a toy train extravaganza — and putting smiles on the faces of their neighbors along the way.
Back in the late 1990s, the family had a toy railroad set in the basement and had the big idea to move it outside. Since then, the set has grown to the point where there is no more lawn. It’s all train set.
The “Norwood Junction 5R Railroad” features miniature villages, mooing toy cows, tiny shops, and up to seven model trains chugging along at once. It also lights up at night and draws over a hundred neighbors for annual open houses.
Shirley Rustemeyer said she wasn’t on board right away. “I had a very nice yard and when they wanted their trains, I questioned it,” she said.
But after seeing how much joy it brings to her family, friends, and neighbors, Shirley has come around to enjoy the spectacle. “At night the lights go on and it’s very relaxing. People love to just sit and watch it. It’s like our own little town.”