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Palmer, Alaska (Knik River Valley) Model Railroad Open House, Saturday Sep 12 from 1 to 5 pm

Marty Quaas

Every year on the second Saturday in September as for the past many years, the Consolidated South Western Railroad (CSWRR) holds it’s annual Open House. This year it will be held on Saturday, September 12th from 1 to 5 PM and as in the past, we will be featuring Operation. Also this year we will be celebrating 20 years since the first rails were laid on the CSWRR. The Open House is free and the public is invited to get a first hand look at the fun of Model Railroading. Visitors are also invited to try their hand at operation under the supervision of an Old Hand.

The CSWRR is located at 21550 E, Arnold. From mile 4.6 of Knik River Rd, turn right on Ivanhoe, right on Arnold, follow the Signs. Phone 907-746-6414. http://alaskamodelrrnews.homestead.com/CSW-Ops-1-1.html

Mooselips Model Railroad Display at Palmer, Alaska Colony Days

Marty Quaas

This weekend, June 12-14, the City of Palmer, Alaska will be celebrating its heritage with the annual Colony Days celebration. Along with a parade, antique cars, fire trucks, and tractor pull, the HO scale Mooselip Model Railroad will be on display Saturday, June 13 from 10 AM until 3 PM in the old Palmer depot.

All are invited to stop by and visit the imaginary town of Mooselip and see how much fun model railroading can be.

Fur Rendezvous 2015 in Anchorage Alaska

Marty Quaas, Photos by BJ and Roy Foster

The annual Winter Festival known as the Rondy ran from February 27th through March 8th. With a total lack of snow in Anchorage, the attendance for this years Fur Rendezvous was down from that of previous years. Many of the crowd drawing events such as the Sprint Dog Races and Cross Country Skiing had to be canceled. This lead to lower than usual visitor attendance at the Model Railroad events at the Alaska Railroad Depot and at Russian Jack Springs Park. However those that did attend were given a great show at both venues.

The Military club at the Alaska Depot estimated 5000 visitors, many coming back several times. In Russian Jack Springs Park, with no other events in the park to draw crowds, the attendance this year was around 700, mostly of regular visitors.

Future Model Railroaders are watching Thomas at the Alaska Railroad Depot.

Future Model Railroaders are watching Thomas at the Alaska Railroad Depot.

At the Alaska Railroad Depot, the crowds are watching the N Scale trains on the right and HOn3 trains to the left.

At the Alaska Railroad Depot, the crowds are watching the N Scale trains on the right and HOn3 trains to the left.

Youngsters are watching the Z Scale display at the Alaska Railroad Depot.

Youngsters are watching the Z Scale display at the Alaska Railroad Depot.

A family is watching the HO Trains at the Northern Lights Model Railroad Club in Russian Jack Springs Park.

A family is watching the HO Trains at the Northern Lights Model Railroad Club in Russian Jack Springs Park.

2015 Anchorage, AK Fur Rondy

Marty Quaas, Palmer, AK

Every year in late February into early March, the city of Anchorage puts on its annual winter festival, the “Fur Rendezvous” known locally as “The Rondy”. This year the Rondy starts on February 27 and runs through March 8. The Rondy hosts many events such as sled dog racing, carnival rides, parades and includes several Model Railroad displays. There will be Model Railroad displays set up in the Alaska Railroad Depot by the Military Society of Model Railroad Engineers (MSMRRE) as well as in Russian Jack Springs Park by the Northern Lights Model Rail club.

The dates and times for these are as follows:

The MSMRRE at the Alaska Railroad Depot, 411 West 1st Avenue, Anchorage:

  • Friday, February 27 from 9 am to 6 pm
  • Saturday, February 28 from 7 am to 8 pm
  • Sunday, March 1 from 10 am to 8 pm
  • Monday, March 2 from 9 am to 6 pm
  • Tuesday, March 3 from 9 am to 6 pm
  • Wednesday, March 4 from 9 am to 6 pm
  • Thursday, March 5 from 9 am to 6 pm
  • Friday, March 6 from 9 am to 6 pm
  • Saturday, March 7 from 7 am to 6 pm

Please note that the MSMREE display will not be open on Sunday, March 8.

The Northern Lights Model Railroad club in Russian Jack Springs Park, 5200 Debarr Road, Anchorage:

  • Friday, February 27 from 4 to 8 pm
  • Saturday, February 28 from 12 noon to 6 pm
  • Sunday, February 29 from 12 noon to 6 pm
  • Friday, March 6 from 4 to 8 pm
  • Saturday, March 7 from 12 noon to 6 pm
  • Sunday, March 8 from 12 noon to 6 pm

For more information contact me at cswrrceo@mtaonline.net.

CSWRR Open House September 11–12

Marty Quaas, Palmer AK

Palmer: This year the Annual Consolidated South Western Railroad Open House will be on Saturday and Sunday, September 11 and 12. This is a great opportunity to visit this Model Railroad and enjoy watching a Model Railroad in operation and chatting with the friendly crew. Bring the family, bring a friend, bring yourself and have a great time with fellow Model Railroaders. Mark your calendars now and be sure not to miss this event. The CSWRR is located south east of Palmer, near Mile 4.6 of Knik River Road, right on Ivanhoe, right on Arnold, follow the signs. For more information call Marty at (907) 746-6414.

Palmer: The Consolidated South Western RR Operation Sessions are on the second and fourth Saturday Afternoons starting at 1 PM, visitors are always welcome. For more information visit the CSWRR Webpage or call Marty at (907) 746-6414.

Anchorage: The Northern Lights Model Railroad Club located in Russian Jack Springs Park, 5200 DeBarr will be continuing to hold its monthly Public Open House on the fourth Sunday afternoon of the month. The next Open House will be on Sunday, September 26 followed on October 24. The regular meetings are on Friday evenings. For more information visit the Northern Lights Webpage or call Marty at (907) 746-6414.

The Alaska Section

Marty Quaas, Palmer, Alaska

Mooselip

For a detailed information about Web-Sites, Operating Sessions and Special Events in Alaska you may visit the Model Railroading in Alaska website. And be sure to also visit the Mooselip Display Railroad.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks: The Tanana Valley Model Railroad club which is located in the Alaska Railroad depot will be in operation every morning during the tourist season from 7 to 8 AM to entertain passengers waiting for the daily south bound passenger train to depart. If you are touring Alaska this year, you might want stop by and say Hi. Their regular meetings are on Tuesday evenings at the depot. For more information visit the Tanana Valley website or call Ron at (907) 479-0651.

Anchorage: The Northern Lights Model Railroad Club located in Russian Jack Springs Park, 5200 DeBarr will be continuing to hold its monthly Public Open House on the fourth Sunday afternoon of the month. The next Open House will be on Sunday, July 25 followed on August 22. The regular meetings are on Friday evenings  For more information visit the Northern Lights webpage or call Marty at (907) 746-6414.

Wasilla: The Alaska Live Steamers track located next door to MATI the regular run days are on the 1st and 3rd weekends. For more information visit the website or call (907) 373-6412.

Palmer: The Consolidated South Western RR Operation Sessions are on the second and 4 Saturday Afternoons starting at 1 PM, visitors are always welcome. This year the Annual CSWRR Open House will be on the weekend of September 11 and 12. This annual event is now in its 15th year and is always well attended. The CSWRR is located near Palmer in the Knik River Valley about 45 miles north of Anchorage. For more information Visit the CSWRR web page or call (907) 746-6414.