ORLEANS – The Nauset Model Railroad Club is hosting open houses this summer on Wednesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. in July and August.

They will be held in the rear, lower level of Hilltop Plaza on Route 6A in Orleans and admission and parking are free.

John Pryke’s renowned Union Freight layout was made famous in many Model Railroader articles and books.

It depicts a switching railroad that ran through Boston’s busy waterfront streets for more than 100 years.

The Union Freight layout is preserved as an operating part of the Nauset Model Railroad Club’s HO layout, thanks to the generosity of the late John Pryke, who had been a club member.

Now in its 28th year, the Nauset Model Railroad Club has more than 80 members, a mix of active collectors with train layouts, experienced modelers and authors, newcomers to the hobby and others who simply enjoy learning and talking about railroading.

The club meets weekly, year-round to run trains, build models, watch videos, have clinics and share experiences. Memberships are available.

The mission of the NMRC is to grow awareness of, and interest in, model railroading within the community.

The club also opens its five layouts to the public during summer Open Houses on Wednesday evenings in July and August and on Saturday afternoons in December.

In addition, visitors are always welcome at club work sessions on the second, third and fourth Fridays of every month from 7-9 p.m.