Jim Gibbs and his 13-year-old grandson, Lucas, admired tiny trains chugging along elaborate landscapes.

The scenery featured grass, trees, large hills, old-time buildings and what are now antique vehicles.

Some other areas had a more modern touch, spotlighting power substations, skyscrapers and even futuristic structures.

Gibbs ventured from Roanoke for Rail Days at the Danville Science Center, now in its 22nd year.

His father-in-law and brother-in-law both retired from railroad work, so he accumulated Lionel trains. Although that system is vastly different than the ones on show at the two-day event in Danville, the commonality remains.

Especially for his grandchild.

“If it’s got a motor, it’s got wheels, he’s interested,” Gibbs told the Register & Bee of Lucas while the little one f

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