Museum Update - November 21, 2024

Give To The Max Day Is Here!

Greetings! 

We went to bed last night with snow on the ground here at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum. Despite the inconveniences, it really helps set the mood for our popular Night Trains events! These special events are so important to the museum as they generate over 30% of our yearly operating revenue. The museum is in a much more stable position in our new home and we have an amazing set of Board Members and volunteers dedicated to the long-term future of the museum. 

This 90th Anniversary year we hope to focus on a couple of big projects that are expensive in the short term but will lead to a much better museum experience long-term. The first is the replacement of the HVAC unit that provides the temperature control for the museum entry/store/LEGO display area of the museum. The current estimate for the replacement work is $25,000. This project is critical to complete soon as it makes the other units work harder to make up for this one, which could shorten their operating lives.

The second project would start the designs for a "one-hour fire barrier" on our perimeter walls. In order to expand our museum gift shop and combine the resource and birthday spaces into the rest of the museum we need to make these improvements to meet fire codes for the new configuration. This is a standard requirement in a space like ours and it is something we've been studying for a while. The cost estimate for this project work is $80,000, which is a big task for any non-profit - which means we will likely work on this in baby steps. 

(Proposed look of new museum entrance)

We are hopeful that our supporters can "Give to the Max" to turn our museum into a world-class facility that can last another 90 years!  

We thank you for your time and donations. Keep in mind, your donation is fully tax deductible! We know we won't be the only organization to ask for help this season, so we are honored that you have considered us. 

Be sure to follow us on Facebook for all the latest details and be sure to visit during our Night Trains  season! 

Click here to make a donation at our Give to the Max Page!

Sincerely,

Brandon Jutz

Marketing and Public Relations Volunteer, TCMRM

Night Trains® season is underway now! Plan your visit to the museum before the end of February to see the museum in festive, holiday vibe! Read on for all the details. 

What is Night Trains? 

The museum’s collection of model trains of all scales and toy trains of yesteryear come alive throughout the Museum. Night Trains Season magic begins as the lights are turned down and the buildings and street lights glow warmly, setting the scene for lighted models of operating trains to pass though make-believe towns that are buried in snow. Enjoy the festive holiday decorations on the layouts and throughout the museum. 

Uniquely decorated trains will run on the layouts and special holiday-only layouts will also be on display. Check out the video below for a taste of the fun! 

Hours and Admission

The event runs every Saturday, plus bonus night listed below, through February 22, 2025 from 3 pm to 7pm. Tickets will be sold for 2 hour time blocks. Admission costs are $15 per guest, and children 4 and under are free.

You can buy your advance tickets today at our EventBrite page here or pay at the door! (Advanced purchase recommended for Santa visit nights and weeks before/during/after Christmas) but we won't turn anyone away! 

2024 – 2025 Special Evenings

*Special appearances may change without notice. Please watch our Facebook page for the latest info.

November

• Bonus Night Trains on Black Friday, Nov. 29th from 3-7pm! Check our our museum gift shop for great items for any train lover! 

December

• Santa joins us on Dec. 14th & 21st! Get a picture with him and let him know what’s on your list. We will also host a garage sale this weekend in our front conference room. 
• Bonus Night Trains Events on the Monday and Friday of the weeks before, during, and after Christmas. (Dec. 16th, 20th, 23rd, 27th, 30th and January 3rd)
• The GRVS Modular Layout will be set up in the front conference room from December 20th till December 22nd.

January

Christmas decorations will end January 25th but we will maintain winter decorations through February. We plan to have live music during many January and February events. 

February

Enjoy the new year and get a break from the long winter with our amazing railroad layouts! More special events to be announced soon!

Regular Museum Hours:

Saturdays:10-2, then 3-7 for Night Trains

Sunday: 12-5

Monday: 10-3

Friday: 10-3