BRUNSWICK

Trains and their effects and expectations have been big news — and not all of it good — in Brunswick for most of the past two years.

But local National Train Day, scheduled for Saturday, May 11, is being planned as an event more for fun than argument.

Patricia Quinn, executive director of Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, said numerous activities and displays are in the works for the trackside gala. 

Events are still being planned. But several rail-oriented agencies are expected to set up displays or educational activities for children and adults alike, such as Train Riders/Northeast, Operation Lifesaver, Pan Am Railways.

If the logistics and spatial complexities can be worked out — it’s sometimes tough to figure out where and how to park more than one train at a time — Maine Eastern Railroad will bring one of its summer sightseeing trains up from Rockland for tours, Quinn said.

“We expect to have one of our trains there, but we’re working with Amtrak to iron out some planning issues,” said Gordon Page, vice president and director operations for Maine Eastern.

“There’s no reason why two trains can’t be side by side, it’s just a question of making sure we can get passengers safely from one to the other. Ideally, we’ll be able to bridge from car to car,” Page said.

Once the Downeaster makes its usual 12:30 p.m. arrival that day, the cars and locomotive will be opened for tours from 1 – 4 p.m., with samples of food in the café car, balloons and live music.

Amtrak Downeaster promotional gear will be given away, a “Chuggington” play area for children will be set up and a “miniature travel show” will be arranged featuring station communities from along the Downeaster’s Brunswick-to-Boston corridor.

“What you find out is that there’s a lot more positive and a lot more good stuff out there, and it’s unfortunate that sometimes things get tugged in other directions,” Quinn said. “The support from Brunswick and other communities has been great, and it’ll be nice just to have a chance for everybody to enjoy themselves.”