Columbus Metropolitan Railroad

Mike shows off the Columbus Metropolitan Library and its annual holiday train set, discussing urban infrastructure and the transit levy passed recently in Columbus.

Good afternoon, everyone! It’s the conclusion of a productive Tuesday on 19 November 2024. It’s a beautiful, mild 16-degree day out here, still feeling like fall or an Indian summer, but the holiday decorations are already being unearthed from the attic.

I wanted to take this opportunity to show you one of my favorite holiday traditions - the model train set in the atrium of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

We are truly blessed in Columbus to have some of the most gorgeous libraries I’ve ever seen. As I walk toward the library, I’m doing a bit of a "Wi-Fi dance," trying to maintain my connection as I transition from the Ohio Health Grant Medical Center network over to the library’s high-speed public internet. I have to handle the filming myself since I don't have a twink production assistant, so bear with me while I adjust the camera to stop the shaking.

Now, as we enter the building — keeping my voice down because, well, it is a library — you can see the centerpiece. I swear this train set gets bigger every year! Growing up, I had an O-scale set, but this is much larger; I’m not even sure what you’d classify this scale as. The buildings don't look like standard Plasticville-brand kits; they look hand-designed. There’s a wonderful castle in the center, and if you head up the stairs, you can get a full 360-degree view of the whole display.

Looking at the train with its single passenger car, it feels a bit like the state of transit in the United States — hardly anyone taking it. However, there is a silver lining from the recent election: Columbus passed a transit levy to build a bus rapid transit system. I call it a "half-assed light rail," but it’s still an exciting development for public transit in central Ohio.

As I head out the back of the library, I’m passing the patio area. There’s a massive crane out here today, likely for HVAC work, though it’s fun to imagine them using it to drop the entire train set into the atrium in one piece. It’s been a treat getting to know these downtown buildings personally rather than just driving past them while stressing out about life.

I’m going to sign off now and grab something to eat. I've got some good stuff from the Clintonville Pantry.

Coming to you live from the library next to the beautiful Topiary Park, this is Mike George. As the holidays approach, remember to take care of yourselves and each other. Bye!