Lionel club keeps its trains on track

Founded in 1947, group has new home

from the Journal Sentinel

Posted: March 21, 2004

Focus On: Model Railroading     Club members take care to get the details on their model trains just right.     The Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club recently completed a 261/2-foot replica of New York's Hell Gate Bridge. The club's new home has tracks on two levels, and the bridge's tracks are 9 feet up. David Bigelow (left) of Genesee and Del Clear (right) of Glendale visited recently.     Mike Neimon of Delafield places his train on the main tracks. Members can bring their trains to the club, and many do so they don't have to lay track at home.     Bob Nabak (left) of New Berlin and Dan Biefeld of Hustisford repair a small engine at the Lionel Railroad Club in New Berlin.

The Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club was founded in 1947 by five kids, ages 4 to 8, who were looking for an activity during the cold months. The club currently has 135 members active in its many educational and volunteer programs.

A new clubhouse, at 2721 S. Calhoun Road, New Berlin, includes a large two-level layout with nearly 200 feet of track and a 261/2-foot replica of Hell Gate Bridge in New York. The bridge is 9 feet above the floor.

The main level contains enough tracks and switches for the simultaneous operation of 10 trains. On two sides of the main room, there are two layouts and varied scenery.

The club also has three portable layouts that are landscaped and used off-site.

Although the clubhouse is incomplete, the bridge is an impressive sight, and can be seen by the public during an open house April 3 and 4.

For more information, go to the club's Web site at: www.powerweb.net/train.