November is National Model Railroad Month
The immense model railroad display at the Boothbay Railway Village is so large it has its own building. So far this year, volunteers have added several new buildings, additional landscape and finished the wiring for several signs and buildings that now light up. Pictured is one of the newer structures on an unfinished scenery area. It is a 1950's era power plant with a lighted and detailed interior. Courtesy of Margaret Hoffman
The immense model railroad display at the Boothbay Railway Village is so large it has its own building. So far this year, volunteers have added several new buildings, additional landscape and finished the wiring for several signs and buildings that now light up. Pictured is one of the newer structures on an unfinished scenery area. It is a 1950's era power plant with a lighted and detailed interior. Courtesy of Margaret Hoffman
At the Boothbay Railway Village, it’s fitting that November is the month to celebrate model railroading, because despite most of the museum having been put to bed for the season, the model railroad volunteers are back in full swing.
Every Thursday volunteers are mixing up plaster, roughing in wiring, and tinkering with tiny details on the Museum’s outstanding HO scale model. This model has been under construction since the fall of 2006 and measures nearly 46 feet long by 20 feet wide. With more than 600 feet of track and nearly 100 turn outs, this is a monumental task to build, especially when every detail matters.
National Model Railroad Month started in 1971 and has continued to grow ever since perhaps because those who participate are able to construct their own world from the ground up; you might consider it the original hands-on version of The Sims, the immensely popular video game series. From woodworking to electrical and scenic artwork to model building, people of all ages enjoy the hobby.
Model Railroading is a hobby that is accessible to most anyone and even enjoyed by many celebrities, past and present, including Rod Stewart, Walt Disney, Neil Young, Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Phil Collins and even Joe DiMaggio.
The Boothbay Railway Village staff and board of directors extends great appreciation and endless thanks to those volunteers who dedicate hundreds of hours every year to the project. The entire project is funded by donations and by sales at several regional model railroading shows. The group is happy to accept donations of gently used model railroading equipment and supplies that they repair and recondition to use or sell at shows.
The model railroaders are always looking for new faces to join them for their Thursday work sessions. If you have a passion and experience with model railroads contact Ron Spinney at 207-633-3018 or rspinney@northeast-security.com to sign up for the next work session. Those who would like to make contributions or donate equipment can also contact Ron to arrange pick-up or drop-off.
To learn more about the Model Railroad Exhibit visit www.railwayvillage.org. You’ll find an entire section of the site devoted to the project. The Boothbay Railway Village is located at 586 Wiscasset Road, Route 27 in Boothbay.
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