The Model Railroad Exhibit, located in the Multi-Purpose Building, features two operating model railroad layouts. One is a large O gauge display that IRM rebuilt by adding interactive components that permit kids of all ages to operate portions of the layout. The layout includes city scenes with elevated train operation, representative of the Chicago ‘L’, as well as sizable railroad yards and multi-track main lines. There is even a Christmas-themed section of the layout set at the North Pole.
In addition, the Model Railroad Exhibit includes a large HO scale model railroad that features a “scavenger hunt” challenge in its elaborately detailed scenes. The exhibit also houses displays of historic train models, and the Museum expects to activate additional operating displays in the future.
The Model Railroad Exhibit is located in the Multi-Purpose Building on Main Street, just west of the entrance from the parking lot. Look for the Union Hobby Shop sign.