P1120589Tonight I revisited Grand Central station – and the Christmas spirit – as I went to see the new model train display housed in the mini Transit Museum Annex.

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What seemed like a small-ish display when I first entered the store in fact took ages to look around because it was brimming with fantastic details. Electric trains swept past a model of Grand Central, shoppers, maintenance men, taxis and stores before hurtling through snow-topped mountains – and heading back to town. There was so much to look at.P1120545 P1120546 P1120548 P1120550

Can you see him?

Can you see him?

King Kong!

King Kong!

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These little workmen moved

These little workmen moved

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And this little guy on the left moves his roller up and down

And this little guy on the left moves his roller up and down

The back of the mountain

The back of the mountain

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The train in this shop window moved too

The train in this shop window moved too

Back in the city

Back in the city

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It’s the 12th year in a row the museum has staged the show, and this year it features characters from artist Maira Kalman’s book, Next Stop Grand Central, which celebrates the different personalities buzzing about the station.

This is just another hidden gem in a station that has so many and if you’re up there – in the neighborhood or waiting for a train – try to not to forget the train display is there, because it’s really, really lovely. Plus it’s in the station’s store, so you can have a browse for quirky New York-themed Crimbo gifts while you’re there.P1120590

The trains are on display until February in the Transit Museum Annex at Grand Central Station, which is open until 8pm.