Central Railroad Museum

The Central Railway Model and Historical Association: Celebrating the World of Model Trains is nestled in the heart of Central, South Carolina. The Central Railway Model and Historical Association (CRMHA) is a haven for both model train enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This charming museum offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the mesmerizing world of model trains. It features a diverse collection of G gauge trains that elegantly traverse the entire ceiling of the building, providing a unique and delightful experience for individuals of all ages.

A Journey Through the Trains 

As soon as you step through the doors of the Central Railway Model and Historical Association, you'll embark on an enchanting journey through the world of model trains. The museum proudly hosts three exceptional trains that captivate visitors with their charm and historical significance:

The Circus Train: Step right up and experience the excitement of the circus as you watch the colorful circus train make its way around the museum. This train captures the whimsy and wonder of the big top, showcasing miniature circus performers, animals, and wagons. It's a thrilling sight that takes you back to the days of circus spectacles and offers a glimpse into the rich history of entertainment and transportation.

The Freight Train: The Freight Train provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of commerce and industry. This train showcases the essential backbone of the railroad system—the transportation of goods. As you watch the intricately detailed freight cars travel along the tracks, you'll gain a deep appreciation for the vital role that trains have played in the development of our modern society.

The Southern Crescent Passenger Train: Travel back in time to a bygone era of luxury and elegance aboard the Southern Crescent Passenger Train. This train captures the opulence of passenger rail travel, with finely detailed coaches, dining cars, and observation cars. It's a reminder of the grandeur and sophistication that once defined train travel, a stark contrast to the fast-paced world we live in today.

Holiday Magic with the Polar Express

The holiday season at the Central Railway Model and Historical Association is a truly special time of the year. Each year, the museum introduces the Polar Express train, a festive addition that brings joy to visitors of all ages. This heartwarming experience allows families to relive the enchantment of "The Polar Express" story as they embark on a magical journey together. It's a unique way to create lasting holiday memories and share the magic of the season with loved ones.

Preserving the Heritage of Toy Trains

One of the hallmarks of the Central Railway Model and Historical Association is its commitment to preserving the heritage of toy trains. The museum's Heritage Rooms offer a nostalgic glimpse into the simplicity of early toy trains, focusing on the joy of playing with toy trains and accessories as they were remembered from childhood.

These rooms prominently feature classic brands such as Lionel, American Flyer, and Marx trains in O, S, and standard gauges. The Heritage Rooms are a testament to the generosity of donors, both from the public and among the association's members. The layouts were painstakingly crafted to evoke the excitement of playing with toy trains, allowing visitors, both young and old, to share in that sense of wonder and nostalgia.

The HO Museum Layout

The centerpiece of the Central Railway Model and Historical Association is the expansive HO Museum Layout, covering approximately 75% of the museum's total square footage. This intricate layout is a work of art in itself. It features three major yards, over 100 sidings and industries, approximately 300 freight and passenger cars, and around 40 locomotives. The layout meticulously recreates the railroading scene in the region in 1958, featuring HO models of a wide array of Southern Railway locomotives, revenue cars, and complete passenger trains from that era. The level of detail and craftsmanship is truly remarkable.

The HO Museum Layout offers two distinct modes for visitors:

1. Display Mode: In this mode, the museum runs 6-10 trains simultaneously on the layout's five independent running loops. Visitors can witness the trains in action, appreciating the artistry and precision of the models. It's an opportunity to marvel at the attention to detail and the careful replication of the railroading world.

2. Ops Mode: For a more immersive experience, Central Railway Model and Historical Association utilizes a unique scenario card system to create a realistic 2–3-hour simulation of 1958 railroad operations. This mode is a favorite among CRM members and invited guests, allowing them to step into the shoes of a railroad operator. It provides a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges of managing a railroad.

Modular HO and N Scale Layouts

The Central Railway Model and Historical Association doesn't stop at the HO layout. The association is continuously expanding its world of model trains by working on both HO and N scale modular layouts. These layouts are set to make their debut at the February train show in Easley, SC. This exciting addition promises to offer even more diversity and enjoyment to enthusiasts and visitors, showcasing the ever-evolving nature of the hobby.

Caboose Renovation

In addition to the museum's impressive layouts and exhibits, Central Railway Model and Historical Association has undertaken on the renovation of the city of Central's caboose by two of its members, Tom Langdale and Harry Kelley. This remarkable project to renovate a bay window caboose located nearby the museum, allows the caboose to be open to the public for viewing during the many festivals that the town supports, offering a unique attraction for visitors.

The exterior of the caboose received a fresh coat of paint, restoring its visual appeal and historical charm. However, the true transformation occurred on the interior. The caboose's interior was completely rebuilt, rewired, and painted, thanks to the collaborative efforts of dedicated members and enthusiasts.

The renovation project was not without its challenges. It began in the hot summer months, without access to electricity at the caboose. Fortunately, CRMHA member Dan Marret came to the rescue with a portable generator to power the project. The team also used a large floor fan to provide some much-needed ventilation during the restoration process.

The project involved removing all the chairs and tables to gain access to the walls and floors that needed repair. All existing lighting in the caboose was removed and repaired, and the entire caboose was rewired to allow the use of 110v electrical service. The lighting fixtures were upgraded to energy-efficient LED bulbs.  After consulting with city officials, we were able to convince them that a permanent powersource would be beneficial for them to have installed. Not only would it provide the needed power source for the caboose, but it would also take care of their future needs for power for vendors during their festivals. To provide a reliable power source, the city installed a power pole outside the caboose, eliminating the need for a noisy generator.

Once all the necessary repairs were completed, photographs and other artifacts were added to the walls for display to the public. The renovated caboose now serves as a unique attraction, featuring various train displays and photographs that provide insight into the rich history of railroading. It's a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of the association's members and their commitment to preserving and sharing the heritage of trains.

The Central Railway Model and Historical Association: Where History, Art, and Nostalgia Converge

The Central Railway Model and Historical Association is more than just a museum; it's a place where the spirit of railroading comes to life. Whether you're a seasoned model train enthusiast or simply curious about the world of trains, a visit to this museum promises an unforgettable journey through the fascinating world of railroads.

The museum's carefully curated exhibits and layouts showcase the artistry and precision that goes into model train craftsmanship. It highlights the rich history of railroading, from the exciting and colorful world of circus trains to the vital role of freight trains in transporting goods across the nation. Visitors can also experience the bygone era of luxury travel aboard the Southern Crescent Passenger Train.

The Polar Express train adds a touch of holiday magic, allowing families to create cherished memories during the festive season. It's a place where both young and old can relive the enchantment of classic train stories.

The Heritage Rooms preserve the nostalgia of early toy trains, reminding visitors of the simple joys of childhood and the enduring appeal of train-themed toys.

The HO Museum Layout is a masterpiece of model train engineering, offering both a visual spectacle in display mode and an immersive experience in ops mode. It's an opportunity to step back in time and witness the railroading world of 1958, complete with its unique challenges and operations.

The ongoing efforts to expand with modular HO and N scale layouts demonstrate the association's commitment to innovation and growth, ensuring that the world of model trains continues to evolve and captivate new generations of enthusiasts.

The caboose renovation project is a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of CRMHA members. It's a symbol of their commitment to preserving the history and heritage of railroading and making it accessible to the public.

In conclusion, the Central Railway Model and Historical Association is a place where history, art, and nostalgia converge on the tracks of imagination. It's a must-visit destination for anyone with an interest in trains, from the young and curious to the seasoned enthusiast. Come and experience the magic of trains at the Central Railway Model and Historical Association, where the past and present of railroading come to life in a truly unique and captivating way.

 

CRMHA Trains on Wheels Trailer