My family recently took a beach vaction outside of Wilminton, NC. While there, my son and I stopped by the Wilmington Railroad Museum.
I was surprised to find a large (500 sqft) HO layout along with two smaller layouts (HO and O). It appears that a large part of their support is from and through model railroading. My son had a really good time (he’s 5) and got to walk up into a steam engine. They also have a large collection of MRR magazines (and others) for sale to support the museum. I picked up a few back issues of MRR for 50 cents a peice.
I encourage those of you visiting the area to take a look. Their website is:
I’m glad he enjoyed it. He’s a good looking boy. I remember checking out train places when my boys were that young. They grow up quick … it really is true. We have another little one on the way, so I’ll be starting all over again, and I look forward to it.
The Carolina’s sure are nice, aren’;t they? Getting squeezed from the crowded southeast and northeast shores, though. Did you guys check out the battleship?
I live just adjacent to Ft. Bragg, so I travel to Wilmington to the beach frequently. I love both the museum and the battleship, however if you make a trip to NC, you should try looking into the New Hope Valley RR, and the Spencer shops outside Charlotte, both offer tourist rides and museum/static pieces. The New Hope uses and old US Navy 44tonner to pull you on a short loop, and the Spencer shops were once the home to the late great Southern Ry. Spencer also includes working steam.
Thanks. Yes, they grow up quickly. Fortunately for me, he is really into model railroading. Yesterday he was planting trees and bushes on our layout (with his mom!). We spent almost all of our time on the beach (Kure) and didn’t have a chance to see the battleship. Maybe next time.
