Local Train Collector Brings Holiday Joy for Charity

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

In 1947, Mike Vandiver had only one request from Santa: a model train set. Vandiver said it was at Sears, back when the store was just behind the square in downtown Anderson, and he still has a photo of him with the Jolly Old Elf to commemorate the event.

In the years that followed Vandiver, a retired Methodist minister, has expanded his model railroad empire into dozens of displays and various models which he now shares each year to help raise funds for local charities at Christmas.

His Holiday Model Train Display, which fills the fellowship hall of Anderson’s St. John’s Methodist Church, will be on display each night through Sunday from 5-8:30 p.m. Entire holiday villages fill the large room, with models trains of many sizes and histories, including Vandiver’s original train set delivered by Santa in 1947.

Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to help local charitable organizations.