Model train enthusiasts converged Tuesday at Fairview Park to celebrate a new Hank Hornsveld Memorial Trestle, which will accommodate thousands of free rides to the public on the third weekend of each month.
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A trestle bridge at Costa Mesa’s Fairview Park, beloved by model train enthusiasts and hundreds of thousands of children and adults who’ve ridden the miniature rails there after 30 years is in need of a serious facelift.
But replacing the tiny trestle is likely a Herculean feat, say members of the nonprofit Orange County Model Engineers, who’ve been attempting to rally support for its repair during a pandemic that has seen ridership decrease to historic lows.
A GoFundMe campaign to raise the $25,000 needed to replace the old, interior-grade timbers had, by Thursday, mustered a little more than $2,300. Once the capital has been earned, group members will design and rebuild the structure in a 100% volunteer effort.