Red Dirt Diaries: Yukon Man's Hobby Heals

A Yukon man is out to prove that his model train hobby can heal.

Years ago, Don Harris starting getting into train sets and eventually transformed a bedroom into a small city.

"We just call it Don's City," said the 88-year-old.

Harris makes several of the pieces and figurines in the city that is straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. There are farmers, fisherman and golfers made from the sawed-off tops of trophies.

The four-hole golf course has different colored beads marking the tee boxes. A model Lamborghini is out front of what Harris calls the "high dollar restaurant."

"The feeling you get inside. It just gives me a thrill," said Don about what he's created.

"I get to use my imagination," added Harris.

But the Yukon grandfather shares his passion with his wife Pat.

"Whenever I'm up here, she usually comes up," said Don.

Pat has helped Don collect several items for his train set.

Years ago, however, she had a stroke and now suffers from dementia.

The train set has become therapy for the couple. If Pat has a suggestion on how to improve or add to the city, Don will get her the materials and have her complete the project.

"I think she enjoys it" said an emotional Harris, who thinks the train hobby helps with his wife's condition. He told News 9, he's happy to have someone to share his passion with.

"Sometimes I want to cry, for joy" said Harris.