Purpose
The Friends of the Nevada Southern Railway – Model Railroad Group exists to share the excitement of railroading through hands-on modeling, education, and preservation. This dedicated group operates as part of the Friends of the Nevada Southern Railway organization, which supports the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City. The model railroad group’s mission is to build and maintain detailed layouts that showcase Nevada’s rail history and the broader influence of trains in shaping the American West.
Established Date
The Model Railroad Group was officially formed in the early 2000s as an extension of the Friends of the Nevada Southern Railway nonprofit organization. Its founders—local hobbyists and museum volunteers—sought to create a scale-model complement to the museum’s full-sized equipment displays.
Frequency of Meetings/Events
Members meet weekly at the museum to operate and improve the layouts, which include HO and N scale modules depicting regional landscapes. Public demonstrations and open houses are held monthly, often coinciding with Nevada Southern Railway’s excursion train rides and museum events. The group also participates in regional model train shows and educational outreach programs.
Location
Boulder City, Nevada — The Model Railroad Group operates within the Nevada State Railroad Museum at 601 Yucca Street. This location provides an immersive rail experience, allowing visitors to explore both life-size trains and intricate model recreations under one roof.
Outreach Activities
The group supports the museum’s educational mission by teaching visitors about railroad operations, signaling, and layout design. They frequently host demonstrations during “Ride the Rails” weekends, where families can view models in motion while historic locomotives operate outside. The group also collaborates with local schools and youth programs to introduce students to model railroading as both a hobby and a learning tool.
Cost to Join/Participate
Membership in the Friends of the Nevada Southern Railway includes access to the Model Railroad Group. Dues are affordable and help fund materials, layout maintenance, and educational programming. Visitors may view the exhibits free with museum admission, and volunteers are always welcome to assist with operations or scenery building.
Membership Requirements
Membership is open to anyone interested in model railroading, history, or rail preservation. No prior experience is needed—members range from beginners to skilled craftspeople. The club provides opportunities for hands-on learning in scenery construction, electrical systems, and digital control technologies.
Contact Information
Address: Nevada State Railroad Museum, 601 Yucca St., Boulder City, NV 89005
Website: www.nevadasouthern.com
Facebook: facebook.com/FriendsOfTheNevadaSouthernRailway
Email: info@nevadasouthern.com
Sources
Friends of the Nevada Southern Railway, Nevada State Railroad Museum, community event listings
