It was just after their vacation in July that the Gerhold family's thoughts turned to Christmas.

At the Manchester Volunteer Fire Dept., they cleared a room on the second floor and set up platforms.

Boxes were opened, designs created and before long, Brian and Carol's beloved holiday train garden began to take shape.

Spread out over 18 sheets of plywood, the garden features five trains and one trolley winding their way through a winter wonderland with a waterfall, an ice skating pond, hot rods and various characters from Disney, the Simpsons, Barbie and more.

Together, the Gerhold's have put in more than 600 hours since July to create the display, which is still being tweaked before its official opening on Friday, Nov. 28, during Manchester's Black Friday events.

"I'm just glad it's done," said Brian, keeping a watchful eye on the display. "Now I get to sit back and enjoy my work."

The entire collection, which Brian estimates to be worth between $40,000 to $50,000, is celebrating its third year on display at fire department.

Last year, though, the train garden took an unscheduled hiatus.

"We had two transformers blow up last year," Brian said of the skipped year. "We didn't have the money to get them. This year we had some sponsors."

It's a happy return for Brian and Carol, both of whom have grown up with train gardens.

"We've actually handed down train gardens through the generations," Carol said of her family. "There are antique skaters on the pond and a lot of antique cars in here."

The couple gave their daughter a train set one Christmas and have added to it ever since.

"Every time we go on vacation, we go to a Christmas tree shop." Carol said. "It's something we like."

Wanting to share their display with others, the Gerholds were pleased when the fire department offered its space for free. While there is no charge to see the trains, the Gerholds have a box for donations -- with proceeds aiding the fire department. There will also be a raffle on Christmas eve for a new train set.

"We try to get a lot of donations from it to help out the fire department," Carol said. "It's for a good cause."

"We just lend him the space," said Richard Docstone, a member of the fire department. "It's a nice layout.

"It is a good thing for the public," Docstone added. "It's strictly donations only. It's open to everyone regardless of where you are from."

Still, the Gerholds also use the display to advertise their business, Clear View Auto Glass. Throughout the garden, one will see their business vans and even their shop. But the true purpose of the exhibit is to share their love of trains, and the spirit of the holidays.

"A lot of fathers bring their children when their wives are out shopping," Carol said. "A lot of young teenagers think it is romantic ... especially when the lights dim."

"This is where I spend my free time," Brian said. "I enjoy it. Sometimes it gets nerve-wracking. Look at how intricate it really is."

All Aboard

The Manchester Volunteer Fire Department Train Garden will be open Fridays, Nov. 28 and Dec. 19 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.; and also Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 4, from noon to 6 p.m. The fire department is located at 3209 Main St. (Hanover Pike/Route 30), Manchester, just north of York Street. To see a video about the layout, go to www.manchestervfd.org/train_garden.htm

Black Friday

Manchester's Black Friday events are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 28, beginning at 6 p.m. with the lighting of the town Christmas tree at town hall, located at 3208 York St., with stores open late and special events.

Manchester's Main Street is along Hanover Pike (Route 30). From points south, travel north on Route 30 through Hampstead to Manchester; or from Westminster, head north on Route 27 to Route 30, then turn right to the fire department and York Street.

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