The History of our TTOS NMD Model Rail Museum
Our “founding father” and first president had a dream in 1986, and with the help of his family and eventually others, the museum layout was built. Mike personally knew the owner of Classic Century Square at 4616 Central SE and they made an agreement with the group that would be known as the TTOS New Mexico Division could have a certain space on the 3rd floor and Classic Century Square would provide utilities and security. On September 19, 1992 a Phase II dedication was held that resulted in the facility we now have to enjoy with protective walls, glass panels, electrical timing devices and security. A rich history is in our past Fixed Voltage newsletters, which identifies many people responsible for this layout. There are notes to indicate Mike got outside contributors to provide lumber, etc. for the original building of the enclosure and a base for the track. Many members of NMD provided much effort toward the Phase II dedication. The following names have been found in old Fixed Voltages and there were probably more that did not get listed – Mike, Romeo, Dale, Bill M., Bill L., Tony, Bill H., Ernie, Ken, Roger and John.
Probably because of the Museum building project, a group of model, railroad enthusiasts were forming and Mike asked TTOS National for approval of a New Mexico Division. After negotiations, the TTOS-NMD was formed November 14, 1986 with 28 local members and 2 or 3 members from other states to achieve the minimum of 30 people to form a division.
The layout consists of a diesel freight train and a diesel passenger train on different tracks as well as an S scale track raised above on a third track. Marked buttons suggest the visitor push a button to make the trains run. They each run about 45 seconds and stop. A separate button operates a sitting cop and hobo car, a button operates a gateman as well as a whistle station.
This museum is one of a few across the nation provided by the local division, especially since there is no charge to the visitor. It’s free!
This is a great experience for a family who enjoys model trains and
it’s free.
Several donations of running stock are documented and good inventories of items are present. The maintenance has been very little over the past few years, other than oiling axles and gears and cleaning the track.
The existing vendors of Classic Century Square enjoy having the train layout and monitor for any problems that occur.
Past Museum Directors are: Mike M., Romeo K., Bill M., Greg P. and Bill L., Rick S., and Larry C.
Anyone who wants to help clean, oil, paint, tinker or get “hands on” with the Museum or to donate, please contact Ron. We will gladly set up a meeting time.
For directions and a map to the museum please go to the directions page and click on the link. Classic Century Square at 4616 Central SE, (505) 265-3161.
