and maybe there could be a Hobby Shop right next to it. for the model railroad as a whole, i am in the search for ho scale equipment of the entire museum collection, or even building it. right now, i am in the process of making a Bachmann 4-8-4 resemble ATSF 2903.
Hello Raffi A Hobby shop is out of the question! First, it needs more building space. Price per/ sq-ft is very expensive and second many people now buy supplies online Better to use our valuable resources on preserving equipment. Thanks for your interest. Roger
i was referring the hobby shop as a separate building just like the Strasburg Railroad has on its canvas. and main streets in general have a police/fire station, a bank, a few stores, and an automotive work garage (for bus collection).
Hello Raffi Your question in regards to a Hobby Store is not in the future plans of our Main Street Vision. As always the "Plans" are contingent on $. It is the same reason we do not acquire more equipment. Money... Roger
Roger, How can I get involved with this project once it gets underway? I am one of the people who helped Bob Kutella and the gang take down this layout that you refer to. I am a Sustaining Member of the IRM and former Trolley Bus Department member. With my physical back issues, this project would be more up my alley.
Hello Wally. First, thanks for your help in layout removal! If you would like to asist, the project leader, Henry Vincent, I am sure he would be interested. Give him a call. The most important need is money[$] to keep the project expanding to the goal. Thanks Roger
Hello Walt. I would suggest you call the office 815-923-4391 and leave a message for Henry. We are still at the point of raising $ for the building. Roger
Thanks Roger, will do! As a retiree on a fixed income, I couldn't be the biggest help money-wise but as a long time model railroader, I feel I can be of help. I am only 59 so I feel I have at least 15 - 20 years left to help.
This Model Railroad board doesn't seem to be generating the interest I would have hoped it would. Is the idea of funding a building for a model railroad at IRM still alive, or has it fallen by the wayside.I was reviewing the donations area of the website and everything BUT the model railroad seems to be mentioned. Could someone in the know please update the status of where we stand at the current time toward getting this project going? I'm also in the category of getting older, replacement knees and a few other shortcomings, but have plenty of time and skills in the modeling area just waiting for this project to get underway. Any new information will be most appreciated.
Hello Russ The funding for the model railroad is still ALIVE but still needs, of course, funding. This project will begin when? Building and Grounds is concentrating its efforts on the building of two huge storage barns. If someone would "drop" $200K on the MR I am sure it would get a faster chance at development. Hopefully, Henry can comment more on the project's future. This all takes time and money. Sorry, I can not give you a better answer but believe me there are many projects in the planning stages and this is just one. Roger
Thanks for the update, Roger. Perhaps a way to increase donations toward this project is to include it in the lists of donation subjects on the website and in the quarterly newsletter/magazine. After an extensive look, I failed to find it in either place so far this year.
Roger, Your reply hit the nail right on the head. "Everything takes time" and of course, patience. I was one of the people along with Henry Vincent, Bob Kutella and Mr. Reinschmidt. People have to realize that things do not happen overnight unless of course someone drops an endless flow of money upon the IRM. The two barns are very important to help get more equipment out of the elements and under a roof. I also anxiously await the model railroad to be re-erected, but await patiently, as funds come in.