Like a proud parent, Margie Swindler loves to show off her four sections of model railroad that will be featured today as part of a large miniature train layout at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds.

“They’re kind of like your children,” said Swindler, 57, of the sections she created. “I’m really fond of them.”

The Lawrence woman’s railroad sections — or modules, as the hobbyists call them — will be among more than 30 set up at today’s Model Railroad Show and Swap Meet.

The third-annual event presented by the Lawrence Model Railroad Club will include information on railroad safety and model train vendors and feature four model railroad layouts.

The finely detailed sections in the layouts include hills, trees and bridges. One of Swindler’s modules even has a gym.

In her module, miniature people swim in the gym’s pool while some learn gymnastics upstairs.

“When I’m working, I’m in my own little world,” Swindler said of her hobby. “I’ve got to get a life.”

Everett McGaugh arranges his model railroad section at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds. McGaugh and other members of the Lawrence Model Railroad Club prepared Friday for today's model railroad show, which is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

Steve Meseraull, club president, said members also wanted to use the event to educate the public about railroad safety in hopes of preventing train-vehicle accidents.

“We go back as a community to try to save lives,” he said. “If we can save one life, then that’s our purpose of having the show.”

About 200 people attended last year’s show, and the group hopes to double that number this year, Meseraull said.

Club member Everett McGaugh said he simply hoped to entertain those who came to see the layouts.

“We don’t do it to make money,” said McGaugh, who is vice president of the club. “Either you’re a train enthusiast or you’re not. Some of us just enjoy watching the train go by.”

Swindler said she enjoyed seeing the expressions on the faces of children who attend the show.

“The kids is who you do it for,” she said. “Otherwise, it sits at home and nobody looks at it besides you.”