The Lionel RR Club was founded by Jerry Brettschneider, in January 1947, during a huge snow storm, that shut the city of Milwaukee down for a couple of days. Jerry and five of his neighborhood friends started the club, as a means to pass the time, during this storm. This makes the club the second oldest club in the state of Wis.
The club grew over the years, and finally it had to move from Jerry's parents basement to its first formal club headquarters in 1975 located at N 79 St and Burleigh St. In 1984 the club had to find larger quarters, so it moved to 10236 W. Fond du Lac Ave, Milwaukee. Finally in March 2002, the club purchased its own commercial space, and moved to 2721 W. Calhoun Rd, New Berlin, WI. At this time several Lionel Layouts are being built, with the feature of the Hellgate Bridge, which carries track for Standard Gauge and O gauge Trains. This bridge was featured in many local newspapers, and in Model Railroad Magazines.
Other programs and activites that the club is involved in is Operation Lifesaver, The Boy Scout Merit Badge Program, maintains a large 12by 32 foot portable layout, and two smaller layouts for community programs. A very popular All Gauge Train Swap meet is held from the months of Sept thru April, at the knights of Columbus Hall, at 1800 So 92 St, West Allis, WI 3rd Sunday, from 9 a.m. to Noon.
Founder Jerry Brettschneider did not stop here, after joining the Army Reserves and going on several active duty tours, he started clubs in St Louis, San Francisco, Chicago, and Kenosha, WI.

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