Model Clubs
The Museum sponsors two model railroad clubs, the West Florida Model Railroad Club, and The Emerald Coast Garden Railway Club. You may also view the N-Scale project on this page.
The West Florida Model Railroad Club has an HO layout in the Bridge Keepers House on Museum property. This is open for public viewing during normal Museum hours.
The Emerald Coast Garden Railway Club has a garden railroad operating at the site of the Riding Train at the Museum.
The picture above is from our 2010 Fall Open House.
The Museum is working on a new traveling N-Scale layout, check back here to view our progress and come see us at Milton's First Friday Fest to see how we are doing.
The Track Plan
OK, that is not really the plan. It is where the plan started. Our turn radii are going to be a little larger. There will not be a Scenery Block and some roads will be relocated.
The Track
Most of the track on hand ready to be opened up and laid out.
Partial Assembly
The Track laid out. This gives us an idea of the approximate size and spacing of the layout.
The Benchwork
The Benchwork laid out on two tables. Choice 1X6's were notched 1/4 inch deep 1 inch from the edge to provide a groove to contain the 1/4 inch plywood and to form a one inch tall barrier around the top of the table (anyone know why quarter inch plywood is only 3/16 of an inch thick?). The end 1X6's were screwed into the longer sides and then corner gussets installed. More 1X4 bracing will be added next. The over all dimensions are 94.5 inches by 46.5 inches.
The underside of the benchwork showing corner gussets. Further bracing will be done soon.
The underside of the benchwork showing the additional added bracing and initial track power and switch machine wiring. Note the reflection of the brass washers and nuts used to hold the track in place.
The foam underlayment is glued in place (make sure to use a water based glue), the track has been mounted and secured to the benchwork by drilling the track and using 080 brass bolts nuts and washers, holes were drilled and wiring guided under the benchwork.
First Structure
This was a Laser-Art kit from Branchline Trains and it went together extremely well. The parts are either wood for the structure, paper for the signs, or clear plastic for the glazing. The laser-cut wood pieces came out of the sheet easily and were glued together with carpenter's wood glue. Trim parts had a peel and stick back that required no glue. Most of the parts required a coat of paint before assembly. The 12-step instructions were well illustrated and clear. The hardest part of assembly was putting the 14 stair steps into place. I needed a magnifying glass for some of the work, plus a sharp modeler's knife and straight tweezers. Total assembly time probably 15 hours over a couple of weeks. Minor problem: should have painted the back of the facade before assembly, but directions did not say so. Also, I am curious why the inner lobby wall is so detailed when it cannot be seen!
