"He just always loved trains. He adored them," Russell Tether said of his father, Dr. Bob Tether.
As a surgeon in the 1960s, when Tether was on call he had to literally wait by the phone in the living room. As a way to pass the time, he built intricate model trains and railroads.
"He would build these models that looked just like the real thing," Russell Tether said.
After retiring in the late '80s, Tether devoted much of his time to his hobby, but when his health began to deteriorate he found it too difficult to run his trains.
Rather than let his passion collect dust in the basement, he and his family decided to give his trains and the large, two-tiered railroad layout to someone who would appreciate it.
Tether offered to donate the collection to the pediatric wing at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, but the original layout was suited more to an adult than a child.
The Tether family contacted The National Model Railroad Association for help in redesigning the existing layout, and the Piedmont Division of the association jumped on board.
The crew of 12 volunteers designed the interactive circus-themed model railroad.
"Different people have different skills and most have experience in the hobby and a feel for what kids will enjoy," John Travis, Piedmont Division project coordinator, said.
The model is 10 feet wide, 4 feet deep and 5 feet high. A circus train circles a carnival with 11 miniature rides.
All of the elements are controlled by colorful lighted buttons that the children can push to start the train or activate tiny trapeze artists swinging from the big top. They even installed a sound system for effects.
"It reminds us of the trains we used to run as kids," Travis said.
Though the entire process of approval and design took nearly two years, it took less than three months for the volunteers to assemble the fantasy land.
Russell Tether said he is impressed with the "phenomenal" work of the Piedmont Division.
"I expected this to take five years. I expected this to be in memory of Dad instead of in honor," Russell Tether said.
A simple plaque that reads "Bob's Trains" will be placed on the wall behind the train. Russell Tether said his parents have always loved giving back to the community but he knows the kids won't question where it came from and will just be happy to have the distraction.
"It helps keep Dad's trains alive. He can't run them but the kids can," Russell Tether said.
The train will be unveiled Dec. 13 at the hospital.