Hello All,
Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in Europe, we have amended our travel plans to visit “The Second City” Chicago in April!
That puts us (me) within striking distance of the Model Railroader HQ for a day trip while “She Who Must Be Obeyed” attends more “cultured” attractions.
Would it be possible to arrange a tour of the facilities?
How would I make arrangements?
Thank you in advance for your advice.
When I went there years ago, I called ahead and they said “come on over!” One of the MR editors gave me a tour (I don’t remember who it was).
Just call and ask if you can stop by. Covid may have changed things a bit.
I went to see the Kalmbach Media offices in December 2018.
Steven Otte showed me around, and I had a wonderful time.
As of the last update we had, tours are closed due to Covid concerns.
-Kevin
I don’t know if they are back at work at their offices yet – many places are still work at home, or very restricted access to the work place.
The Walthers Showroom is open a few days a week by appointment. I doubt if they are giving tours of the warehouse portion but if you have a shopping list, or want to see what bargains they have on the shelves devoted to discontinued, damaged packaging, incorrect packaging, or damaged models, it can be worth a visit.
If Kalmbach is open, not far away is Jetco Hiawatha Hobbies, a good hobby shop with interesting inventory. Also not far away is Duplainville, where the CP (ex Milwaukee Road) main crosses the CN (ex Soo Line main).
Dave Nelson
There is train service from union station in chicago to milwaukee. It is the old hiawatha race track and the trains aren’t locals. Only 2 or 3 stops.
Since MRR and Kalmbach are on the west side of the Milwaukee area, you could take the daily Hiawatha Amtrak from Chicago to downtown Milwaukee and rent a car to get out to Waukesha. Not too bad of a trip if you are already travelling a long way just to get to Chicago.
I would definitely call Kalmbach Media first, to make arrangements.
262-796-8776
It looks like for the Hiawatha service to Milwaukee, you need to make a reservation, so they can keep car occupancy under control.
Prior to the covid, there were no reservations for the Hiawatha, except maybe for the “quiet” car. Never rode in that one.
Cars would be packed, at certain times of the day, standing room only.
Good to see they have 3 trains, each way, back in operation.
Hiawatha Hobbies is my LHS, I’m about 30 miles away, and Dave says, it is packed with interesting inventory.
They do ask that you wear a mask when in the store.
Good luck!
Since you’ll be in Chicago, mat I suggest the museum of science and industry. They have sevral static locomotives and one hell of a layout, Last time I was there (many moons ago) you could climb into the cabs of the locomotives. You can also ride their short coal mine train if you take the coal mine tour.
Absolutely worth the visit!
U Boat!
Zephyr!
Huge HO Scale Layout!
Plan to spend a whole day.
-Kevin
Hello All,
Already on the list!
Thanks for the suggestion.
I bet you photoshopped yourself in. I call shens!