Edited by Dan McDermott | route11news.com

A detailed model railroad portraying the Norfolk & Western Railway’s Shenandoah Division will have a new home in Middletown.

Jim Brewer, a recognized modeler of the Norfolk & Western Railway and a past editor of The Arrow, the magazine of the Norfolk & Western Historical Society, has announced that he is donating his large model railroad to the Winchester and Middletown Model Railroad Association, Inc. 

The donation includes scratch-built models of Shenandoah Valley businesses, homes and landmarks, including portions of the former American Viscose plant in Front Royal, along with scenes representing Luray, Shenandoah, Waynesboro and other familiar Valley locations. The gift also includes a collection of model locomotives, freight cars and passenger cars. 

The association, working in partnership with the Town of Middletown, is building a full-size recreation of the railroad station that once stood in Middletown. The station, located at 2490 1st Street, is expected to include both a railroad museum and a large exhibition model railroad. Large portions of Brewer’s layout are planned to become principal features and a centerpiece of the new display. 

“I am thrilled that the Winchester and Middletown Model Railroad Association will preserve and make available to the public the model railroad my friends and I worked so many years to build,” Brewer said in the announcement. 

Jeff Jordan, president of the association, said the donation will help move the project forward.

“We are tremendously excited to receive this contribution, which will substantially accelerate our building of an outstanding display model railroad layout centered on familiar locations in the Shenandoah Valley,” Jordan said. 

The exterior of the recreated Middletown station is nearing completion, with deck and railing installation, grading, landscaping and parking lot paving still to come. The announcement says Trex Company, Inc. has contributed decking and railings for the project. Interior work is underway by association members with help from several local building companies. 

The station is expected to open to the public later this year. The association is continuing to seek donations of funds and materials to help complete the project. 

The Winchester and Middletown Model Railroad Association is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit. Its mission includes displaying and operating a model railroad for the public, schools and other organizations, while using the layout to explain the role of railroads in the growth of the Shenandoah Valley and its industrial base. 

People interested in learning more, contributing or applying for membership may contact the association by email at [email protected] or find it on Facebook at Winchester & Middletown Model Railroad Association.

Information from a release.