When Eric Freeland decides to play with his trains, he's not selfish. In fact, he's quite generous.

Freeland is again opening his Windsor Heights farm to visitors this weekend for his annual Garden Railroad display that continues to grow each year. The free open house is from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at his farm, located 2 miles east of Windsor Heights on Windy Hill Road.

All week he has been receiving invited visitors from area nursing homes and other senior centers who enjoy walking through his outdoor garden of trains.

"I am so glad to share my train displays with others, especially the senior citizens who all seem to remember riding trains and having train layouts when they were kids," Freeland remarked.

This year, in addition to his large G-scale trains operating on a vast track throughout the grounds, Freeland has established a theme touting the era of steam coal trains and World War II flat cars hauling military equipment pulled by a huge Mallet steam engine.

Visitors to the farm are encouraged to bring their G-scale trains and take a turn operating them on his original line.

Freeland's display includes the Horseshoe Curve area, a replica of an actual rail line curve near Altoona, Pa., complete with Galitzin Tunnels. The display is neatly crafted with tunnels, long bridges and waterways.

He said this area of the track has grown up with vegetation, making for an even more interesting look.

The railroad was constructed over a five-year period. Freeland had to move more than 450 tons of massive limestone and 700 tons of dirt to create his outdoor railroad masterpiece.

"This year, the big story is I have just completed an extensive retracking of part of my original layout with three rail O-scale track. We can now run traditional Lionel trains outside. They look really great in the expansive scenery," Freeland said.

Freeland also hopes to generate interest in developing a group of O-scale enthusiasts for twice monthly get-togethers where they can run their trains and swap stories.

This year marks the seventh anniversary of Freeland's generous gift to the community. However, he is now getting some help with sponsorship from TK Train and Hobby, Bridgeport Equipment and Tool Sales and Rentals and Erb Electric.

Also new this year is a large tent sale of train sets and model trains from TK Hobby.

However, there is one more addition to the farm area that Freeland said he cannot take credit for this year. He said a pair of young eagles have taken up residence near the farm and spend six to eight hours a day flying over the farm or perched on an electric tower on the neighbor's farm.

"This is a beautiful sight to see," Freeland added.

To reach the farm, take W.Va. 2 north from Wheeling or south from Weirton. Turn onto Short Creek Road (at the sign to the airport) and follow the signs.