A Celebration of History, Engineering, and Fun
On a sunny Saturday morning, the Rowland Freedom Center at Nut Tree Airport buzzed with excitement as families gathered to explore the fourth annual Planes, Trains and Automobiles event. Outside the hangar, the morning sun reflected off the polished chrome of classic cars, while inside, the air was filled with the low hum of model train engines and the delighted laughter of children pressing buttons to sound a whistle. The event, held on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., offered a unique blend of history, engineering, and hands-on fun for all ages.
“We’re hoping to bring the community into the museum for something they can’t get anywhere else,” said Shaina Whaley, the museum curator. “Model trains, historic planes, and classic cars — we have more of everything this year. So people will find something for all ages to enjoy.”
The promise of the event was evident across every corner of the museum grounds on Saturday.
Trains Tell Stories
One of the main attractions was the array of detailed model train layouts. Among the crowd favorites was a pristine 1970s O-Gauge Lionel 3-rail dealer display, courtesy of the Carquinez Toy Train Operating Museum of Crockett.
“Our group is the only one that lets the kids have an opportunity to run the trains,” said Dave Pfeifer, the group’s vice president. Eager little ones pressed the button to hear the train’s whistle and watched as engines rolled along its circular path. The Crockett group has been part of Planes, Trains and Automobiles every year since its inception.
Visitors also gathered around a model railway exhibit set up inside a trailer by the Sacramento Valley Garden Railway Society. The immersive scene featured a miniature lumber yard and sawmill nestled in late 1800s-era mountains, with the “Wandering Railway” snaking through tunnels and across bridges.
“It’s a late 1800s, early 1900s scene and took us four years to build it,” said club member Matt Abreau. “We take it to train shows and public events like this — pretty much anywhere they want us. I like the community outreach and talking to people about the club.”
History in the Air and on the Ground
Beyond the trains, military aviation history was on full display. The museum’s centerpiece, a North American B-25 Mitchell, drew particular attention. The twin-engine medium bomber gained fame in 1942 when 16 of them launched from the USS Hornet for the daring Doolittle Raid on Tokyo — a pivotal morale boost for the Allies in WWII.
“I’m a veteran for one thing and I like coming to see the history and the displays, it’s really nice,” said Del Royer of Vacaville. “I was in the Air Force, so I like all the aircraft… and my grandson, Carl, is enjoying the trains.”
Overhead, visitors could look up to see original model planes used in films like Die Hard II and Always, suspended from the hangar ceiling thanks to a loan from Industrial Light and Magic.
Shiny Classics and Marine Corps History
Outside the hangar, dozens of classic cars lined the pavement — from a gleaming cherry-red 1932 Ford Coupe to a 1953 Cadillac and a 1971 Pontiac — offering photo ops and inspiration for car enthusiasts of all ages.
“We just came because we were curious and wanted to check out the cars and planes,” said Kyle Kleinschmidt as he pointed out the B-25 to his children.
In addition to the event festivities, the Rowland Freedom Center is also showcasing a special exhibit in honor of the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, featuring artifacts and uniforms from various eras. That exhibit remains on view through Dec. 31.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy the Sheriff’s Posse, a petting zoo, and rides on the California Dream Express Train. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for veterans and children ages 5 to 12, and free entry for kids under 5 and active-duty military with identification.
