The time has arrived when we must bid a fond farewell to Model Railroader magazine’s current iteration of the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy (a.k.a. “Myrt”) HO scale (1:87.1) model railroad. Throughout staff efforts to dismantle the 35-year-old landmark layout, Trains.com members will have this exclusive window to peer into the process of planning, preparing, and ultimately removing the last rails.
This camera only activates when someone is inside the room. At other times, we’ll offer pre-recorded video from the cam and from other selections. While we do not provide audio with this feed, we do monitor for inquiries and remarks recorded in the Comments field below.
What’s the future of the MR&T as a fallen flag? Perhaps merger with the Soo/CP? Bright red locomotives with MR&T on the side running on an N scale version? Or maybe a steam era version serving an export elevator and car ferry like the KR&D? So many possibilities, so little time.
Progress is bittersweet. Let’s hope Firecrown Media does not dismantle the Kalmbach and Railroading institution we have enjoyed over the years.
The M R & T was a magnificent model railroad, but I don’t believe it was ever fully operational. The main yard was a storage site, not a working facility. And were both staging yards ever usable at the same time? Jones Island was operational, but just as a demo. Don’t think there were ever regular ops sessions from the main yard or staging to the island with switching – cars delivered and picked up. Too bad that Jones couldn’t be saved intact.
Any plans to sell the project layouts?
Any planned attempts to save some pieces intact, such as Jones Island, the Troy shortline or pieces of Bay Junction? Presume the operating and historic locos and cars will be extracted and stored or sold off. Plus some historic buildings. Track will be junked but electronics and switch motors will have value.
What’s the final date the room must be empty?
Sad.
They are saving the section that David is currently cutting out, it is being donated to the NMRA to be displayed at a location TBD, since the structures on it are from the original MR&T at the old offices. They’re donating an older locomotive and some rolling stock as well to have it set up as a diorama.
They have to be out of there by the end of July, maybe some might be in Chattanooga at the Firecrown offices
I’m really glad that I got to see the MR&T in person in August 2016 when I was visiting family in northern Illinois and was able to take a day to side trip to Kalmbach’s offices. Thanks to Steve Otte for taking the time to give me the tour.
I think I sees a David Popp
I wish I could have gotten a chance to see the MR&T in person, but it will be missed
So this “live event” is only the webcam without audio? Usually “after Hours” has audio – thanks
Glad that I had the opportunity to see the MR&T in person about a decade ago. Excited to see what will come next for the magazines and future projects!
I see the take down of the MR&T has started. Will there be coverage of the last run?