Dedication. Dedication to the hobby is what the Stoney Creek Model Railroad Club has. The bi-annual collaboration between SCMRRC and the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm continued in 2004 as our modular layout was again setup at the museum. Club members operated the layout for the public whenever the museum was open for a grand total of 91 hours spread over a month. Members would operate trains on tree loops, entertain the visiting children, and answer question about railroads, both large and small. Which trains were run varied by which club members were working that day and included prototypical Michigan railroads, trains from around the county and world, as well as kid pleasers such as Thomas that Tank Engine and the Hogwarts Express.
The modular railroad is a popular attraction that increases the museum's attendance. This exposes more members of the community to the museum's exhibits on the history of the Rochester, dating back to the original native american tribes. The railroad is also operating during the museum's family activities, such as the Santa day.
The museum setup also provides the club and the hobby excellent exposure. World's Greatest Hobby brochures are given way as well as club brochures and old hobby magazines. It's exciting to see the look in children's eyes when they first see the trains. We have had youngster spend hours just wanting the trains, spell bound. Members find them selves explaining the basics of model railroading when an adult visitor feels the bug bite.
Having the modular layout setup for so long gives us the extra motivation to get all the modules out of everyone's basements and garages. Only two modules were not included, and that is because we ran out of floor space. The museum setup is about the only time we have found it worth it haul the three carloads of stuff that is required to setup the downtown Rochester modules. Any modular setup is a group effort and the modules assembly or disassembly in a single afternoon. Proper prep work is essential and a setup of this size requires CAD drawings and someone marking the floor with masking tape before everyone else arrives. We do have to chase daily trackwork and electrical glitches, but that is the price you pay for a modular layout's lack of continuous wire bus or soldered track joints. It reminds to keep one eye on the trains when talking with the public.
Back to Stoney Creek activity page
Back to Stoney Creek homepage
Last Updated: 12/31/04