Whether it’s your first visit to the museum or you are a regular visitor, you won’t want to miss out on RailFest 2018 which is just around the corner! Spring has been busy at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum with lots of new and updated things to see. Check out the progress and have some fun at our annual RailFest on Saturday, April 14th, 2018! The fundraising event will be held on the Rosenberg Railroad Museum grounds,1921 Ave. F in Rosenberg, on April 14th from 10 am to 5 pm, rain or shine.
During the event, check out the new buildings on the Museum’s outdoor “G” scale garden railroad depiction of the Richmond Rosenberg area with trains being run by the Houston Area “G” Gaugers
The Museum is proud to be partnering with RailStream as the 21st live streaming rail camera on their system. Now RailStream members can enjoy the same rail activity at the Rosenberg junction that Museum members and visitors have enjoyed for years. The Rosenberg camera feed will be available for viewing in the Gallery building at the Museum or by joining RailStream (https://www.railstream.net). The exhibits in the Gallery building have been updated so don’t miss them while checking out the new RailStream video monitor.
The Garden Railroad is a G Gauge (1:29 scale) model railroad depiction of Rosenberg and Richmond in the 1950’s with live plants, a water feature representing the Brazos river, replica automobiles, animals and people and various historic buildings. The recent completion of Phase III of the Garden Railroad included the installation of a dozen spectacular replica scale buildings and the addition of fun details such as automobiles from the 1950s for all to see. The new buildings include those that no longer exist like the Rosenberg passenger and freight depots, the Railroad Express Agency building, Leonard’s Diner and the Magnolia Gas Station, as well as historic buildings still in existence today such as the Museum’s own Tower 17, Another Time Soda Fountain, the Ebell House, the Post Office and the Vogelsang Buildings. The Garden Railroad is a favorite with young and young at heart!
The Museum was fortunate to be the recipient of a grant from the City of Rosenberg’s Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund in 2018. This has allowed us to repair and paint our main Gallery building including the beautifully faux painted windows and doors of the original Rosenberg Union Depot. We have also been able to continue the renovation work on the MoPac Caboose in preparation for sandblasting and painting right after RailFest.
RailFest 2018 will feature model trains in action by the Houston “S” Gaugers on their traveling layout, the Houston Area “G” Gaugers on the Museum’s garden railroad, and on the Museum’s HO and Lionel layouts. A kid-friendly interactive switching exhibit, hosted by the San Jacinto Model Railroad Club, will be available for a hands-on challenge for all ages. In addition, the “Texas Flyer” trackless train will be on hand, as well as bounce houses, crafts and games, face painting and Cowboy Hall of Famer, Larry Callies. Local performer, Kayla Gulley, will provide live music throughout the event. Food vendors and Operation Lifesaver will be on hand, as well as a Museum open house and much more! And, be sure to check out the Collectibles and Rare Book Sale! All proceeds from the event benefit museum operations.
According to new Museum executive director, Tracy Hobdy, “RailFest 2018 will be a great opportunity to see all of the progress taking place at the Museum. Bring the whole family out for a really fun day—there is something for all ages to see and do!” A very special thanks goes out to the City of Rosenberg, RailStream and our RailFest sponsors: Another Time Soda Fountain, Bob’s Taco Station, Calvary Episcopal Preparatory, Classic Chevrolet SugarLand, Duran’s Roofing & Remodeling, Jeff McClellan – CPA, Alice Poth – TX Farm Bureau, Remedy Roofing, Republic Services, and Rosenberg Main Street Program.
The fun starts at 10 am and goes on until 5pm. $8.00 Admission for everyone 2 yrs and older; Children under 2 are Free. More information and speed pass advance purchase tickets are available online at http://www.rosenbergrrmuseum.org/railfest/. If you would like to be a sponsor for the event or volunteer, please contact event chair Brenda Cauthen at mailto:brenda.cauthen@rosenbergrrmuseum.org. The Rosenberg Railroad Museum is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation and education of railroading in Fort Bend County.
Groupons, Living Social, or other coupons or discounts are NOT valid for this event.
