Group Works to Restore Railway Shops in Montgomery, Ala.

Byline: Kelli M. Dugan

Mar. 25--Thomas Yearling's fascination with trains began as a small hobby to keep him occupied in retirement, but the Montgomery native concedes his pastime now teeters on the brink of obsession.

"It started with a single train set in my basement. Now, I've got an entire room devoted to my `treasures,' and if I drag my wife to one more (railroad) museum, she just might divorce me," said Yearling, 67, grinning yet serious.

If the plans of one local group take shape, however, Yearling barely will have to leave his neighborhood