(The Associated Press circulated the following story on December 30.)
GREAT FALLS, Mont. — A building at the fairgrounds here will be devoted entirely to a new railroad museum, featuring a train layout that a late Cascade rancher built over a span of 50 years.
Cascade County commissioners recently decided that the Hobbies and Crafts Building at Montana ExpoPark will be available to the Great Falls Model Railroad Club, for its new Montana Museum of Railroad History.
Model railroad buffs already use about one-third of the building for a train layout that is a popular attraction at the State Fair.
A different one, created by the late Pete Ellis of Cascade and measuring 50 by 80 feet, will be the centerpiece of the new museum. It also will have an 800-volume railroad library and railroad artifacts, said Jack Dykstra, spokesman for the museum steering committee.
Ellis was a member of the Great Falls club for many years, held a Master Modeler certificate from the National Model Railroad Association and was hired by the Disney company to present workshops on creation of dioramas.
His heirs plan to give the club both his “Treasure State Railway” layout and the library, Dykstra said.
Ellis’ rail scene depicts Montana in miniature, from prairie to mountains, and includes portrayals of cattle ranching, grain farming, mining, logging and towns. Mountain areas feature tunnels and bridges that illustrate the challenges in crossing Montana’s rugged terrain.
Dykstra said that despite the railroad’s importance in the development of Montana, the state does not have a railroad museum.
“Our group is dedicated to preserving Montana’s railroad legacy in a fun and exciting way,” he said.
Dykstra said completing the museum would take two to three years. At some point, a paid staff will be necessary to run it, according to a written proposal.
Initially, the county’s Fair Board will maintain the fairgrounds building, as it does now. Interior improvements will be the responsibility of the museum and Dykstra said that eventually, the museum will pay utility costs.
The railroad club has maintained a model exhibit in the building since 1964.
The county provides the space rent-free and pays utility costs, in exchange for the club’s opening of the display to the public as a free attraction during the fair.
Expected sources of money for the museum include memberships, corporate and private donations, grants and perhaps a souvenir shop. Dykstra said monetary donations have been offered.