Illinois Railway Museum Blog

I, from a distant perspective, think that a model railroad exhibit at IRM has significant potential. The general public actually has more interest in model railroad display and operations than are accepted by many modelers. I can assure you that youngsters visiting for their Day Out with Thomas will drag their parents to the layout and will not want to leave. I will try to keep up with the planning for this addition to the IRM. Good luck to those working to make this come to fruition. Rex Beistle Northern Colorado

#1 Rex Beistle on 2012-01-17 02:00

What scale would the layout be? Or will there be more than one scale? Example O scale HO scale and so on. I have some cars that are O scale that can be donated. Thank you Keep up the good work.

#2 Ray Louis on 2012-01-29 07:02

The layout that was donated and moved to IRM will occupy 2500 sq ft and is HO scale. We are a long way from getting the building designed, financed, and built but plans include some open space. That might be used for visiting modular layouts, other smaller display pieces in different scales, seasonal displays, and may include a large scale modular layout previously donated to IRM. Bob Kutella

#2.1 Robert Kutella on 2012-01-29 15:56

Will visitors/members be able to run trains as they wish? Also, is the layout DCC (Digital Command Control) or DC (Direct Current)? Greetings from MI, Nick

#3 Nick on 2012-02-05 20:50

The layout as built is wired for DCC. We are a long way from raising the needed funds to construct the building and re-assemble the layout. One concept we have now is the layout must be open for public display on a regular basis with trains running. Under ordinary circumstances visiting public will not be able to operate the trains, although there is some possibility of visitor triggered animation and effects. IRM associate and regular members will have access to this, perhaps with a surcharge to their dues to help support the layout, and there will likely be a 'club' sort of group to work on the layout, have operating sessions, etc. Bob Kutella

#3.1 Robert Kutella on 2012-02-06 14:59

Is there any more news or info available on the model railroad project? Jan 14 was the last update. Thanks.

#4 Russ Prince on 2012-04-29 10:16

I was very excited to see the layout donated to IRM. I use to be a regular operator on the layout before it was moved. I am looking forward to seeing the layout set-up and running again.

#5 Andy on 2012-06-23 21:29

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