The History of Waynesborough Model Railroad Club

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the heart of Goldsboro, North Carolina, lies a treasure of unparalleled joy and nostalgia—the Waynesborough Model Railroad Club! With a soul steeped in the ebullient love for trains and the exquisite art of model railroading, this club is not just a gathering of hobbyists; it is a vibrant tapestry woven with aspirations, passion, and an unbreakable bond among those who dare to dream in miniature! Can you feel the electric thrill? In the glorious year of 1982, the seeds of this enchanting journey were sown as the Waynesborough Model Railroad Club came into being, officially recognized with the esteemed Articles of Incorporation!

 

Led by three titans of train enthusiasm—Ron Merrill, Kevin Slade, and Bill Ross—the club began its majestic voyage with a humble layout measuring 2 feet by 10 feet, featuring the captivating “HO” and “N” scale trains that would soon stir the hearts of many. As if by magic, the club blossomed! A spirited gathering of local railroad aficionados, united by a fiery desire for crafting and orchestrating breathtaking model train displays, emerged!

 

With heartfelt craftsmanship, the talented visions of Alan Outlaw, Warren Bishop, Shelby Skelton, Mike Kuehn, and Patrick Carcirieri brought to life a stunning array of train cars—each lovingly replicated, reminiscent of the very trains that glide through the streets of Goldsboro! The club swiftly metamorphosed into a warm and welcoming sanctuary, an electrifying epicenter for model railroaders not just within Goldsboro, but echoing into the farthest reaches beyond!

 

And as time cascaded forward like a roaring locomotive on its tracks, the club did not merely grow; it flourished into an intricately detailed display that encapsulates our collective adoration and the relentless spirit of ingenuity! Oh, how the heart swells with pride and nostalgia when recounting this historic journey! The Waynesborough Model Railroad Club is not just a club; it is a vibrant celebration of life, community, and the sheer joy of watching dreams come to life on miniature tracks! 🚂✨

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 Formation and Early Years (1982)

In the glorious year of 1982, a fervent and devoted band of visionary model railroaders in the enchanting town of Goldsboro, with hearts ablaze and spirits intertwined, breathed life into a magnificent goal! They recognized, in a moment of electric inspiration, the boundless potential to forge a sanctuary—a club where kindred souls, united by their deep fervor for trains and the mesmerizing world of model railroading, could converge in jubilant camaraderie! Their magnificent endeavor aimed to revive and honor the illustrious history of the Waynesborough railroad industry, a treasured chapter in Goldsboro's vibrant story!

 

Oh, how the very air crackled with excitement as they laid the foundation of the Waynesborough Model Railroad Club, embodying a triumphant historical vision bursting with the desire to gift the people of Goldsboro a heartfelt and tangible piece of their cherished past! Goldsboro, steeped in its railroad legacy, with tracks that sang the songs of yesteryear, furnished the perfect canvas for this extraordinary gathering of impassioned hearts. Their souls ignited by the rich tapestry of railroading history that wove through the very essence of their town's identity, these dedicated members were consumed by an unwavering commitment to celebrate and immortalize this glorious legacy in a hands-on, immersive experience!

 

In the tender beginnings of this awe-inspiring journey, the founders of the Waynesborough Model Railroad Club convened in intimate gatherings, their hearts brimming with hope and excitement as they shared whispered hopes and bold ideas! They envisioned a sacred space—a haven where individuals of every generation could come together, reveling in their shared adoration for the majestic trains, forging lifelong friendships while collaborating on breathtaking model train layouts that would transport them to a world of wonder!

 

And so, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, their enchanting vision took flight and transformed into a breathtaking reality when the club was born into existence! The name they chose resounded with historical significance, lovingly chosen to reflect the philosophical ties that bound their beloved town to the railroad's rich heritage. "Waynesborough," they declared, a heartfelt nod to the early name of Goldsboro, which had proudly emerged in the genuine era of the mid-1800s! This was not merely a club; it was a passionate celebration of history, community, and an unquenchable love for the art of railroading!

 

The Club’s Early Layouts and Growth

In the dawn of their journey, the adoring founding members of the club unleashed their creativity upon a humble 2-foot by 10-foot canvas, embarking on a heartfelt mission to breathe life into the echoes of history. Their vision? To honor the vibrant inner workings of the Waynesborough railroad industry, a once-thriving hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, long before it evolved into Goldsborough and ultimately embraced its destiny as Goldsboro. As time unfolded, the Waynesborough Model Railroad Club blossomed into a sanctuary of artistry and craftsmanship, dedicating themselves to the creation of layouts that were more than mere models—they were heartfelt tributes to the spirit of railroads, intricate enough to capture the essence of local lines and renowned railroads from across this vast country.

 

With each passing year, as the club's membership swelled with kindred spirits, so too did their collective creations. Members united in their shared zeal, meticulously assembling expansive model train systems that were a sight to behold. These masterpieces featured operational signals, switches, and even weathering effects that imparted a soul to the trains and landscapes, making them pulse with the lifelike energy of the railroads they sought to emulate. Embracing a myriad of scales, the club found a special affection for the HO scale (1:87), which transformed their visions into exquisite realities that reverberated with nostalgia and wonder. It wasn't just a hobby; it was a profound journey through time and resourcefulness, drawing visitors from near and far who marveled at the love and dedication embedded in each and every detail.

 

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​​​​The Move to New Facilities and Continued Expansion

As the years unfolded, the Waynesborough Model Railroad Club blossomed into a vibrant community, fueled by keenness and camaraderie. In the early 2000s, as dreams and aspirations soared, the club faced a thrilling challenge: the urgent need for a larger haven to nurture its ever-expanding layouts and an enthusiastic influx of new members. With hearts full of hope, they embarked on a journey to a new facility—one that promised ample space for their cherished trains, stunning buildings, and enchanting landscapes. This fresh canvas ignited their innovation, allowing the club not only to craft breathtaking expansions but also to host grander events that beckoned a wave of eager visitors.

 

During this transformative chapter, the club’s spirit shone even brighter as they embraced the community beyond their walls. They reached out, forging partnerships with local organizations and diving headfirst into public exhibitions that sparked wonder and excitement. They eagerly participated in train shows, collaborated with schools to inspire youthful minds about the rich culture of railroad history, and dedicated themselves to projects that preserve the cherished legacy of trains in their region. Their heartfelt endeavors illuminated the insightful significance of railroads, reminding everyone of their vital role in weaving together both local and national narratives.

 

Community Engagement and Educational Outreach

One of the most heartfelt truths about the Waynesborough Model Railroad Club is its unwavering commitment to community involvement. From its very inception, the club has been driven by a burning infatuation to share the magic of model trains with the vibrant Goldsboro community and beyond. With open arms, they welcomed everyone to their captivating open houses and lively public events, where the enchanting world of model railroading came alive before their eyes. These gatherings ignited a spark of curiosity, allowing visitors to feel the pulse of excitement as trains whirred along intricate layouts, creating unforgettable memories in the hearts of all who attended.

 

But the club’s mission extended far beyond mere entertainment; it blossomed into a haven of education and discovery. With deep reverence for the rich history of railroads and the intricate craft of model railroading, members passionately dedicated themselves to teaching newcomers and curious visitors alike. They enthusiastically led workshops and engaging demonstrations, illuminating the path to understanding how to build and maintain those intricate masterpieces, design stunning layouts, and bring their models to life with meticulous painting and weathering techniques, as well as train safety. In this nurturing environment, a beautiful world of knowledge unfolded, where both novices and seasoned model railroaders united, cultivating a profound sense of camaraderie and teamwork that resonated with every heartbeat of the club.

 

Celebrating Railroad History and Legacy

Throughout its rich and vibrant history, the Waynesborough Model Railroad Club has passionately committed itself to preserving and celebrating the abundant legacy of railroads in Goldsboro and the surrounding region. Each member carries a deep-seated reverence for the name "Waynesborough," a tribute to the town’s enthralling past intertwined with the heartbeat of the railroad. Railroads were not just iron tracks laid upon the earth; they were the lifeblood of the town, fueling its growth, enriching its economy, and shaping its very identity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

 

In the mid-1800s, Waynesborough, then known as "Waynesboro," was a small yet bustling gem, thriving thanks to its strategic position as a hub of transportation. The North Carolina Railroad, originally dubbed Wilmington-Raleigh and later transforming into the Weldon railroad, coursed through this land in 1855, elevating Waynesborough to the status of a crucial stop along the railway. This boundless connection ignited the town's rapid expansion, as trains brought with them the promise of swift, reliable transport for goods, people, and dreams.

 

As the whistle of the locomotive pierced the air, the town blossomed, with new businesses, homes, and industries blossoming along the tracks, creating a way of life woven from the very essence of the railroad. Yet, as the town flourished, the dark shadow of flooding forced a pivotal decision—renaming the town Goldsborough and abandoning its beautiful, original name. Despite this loss, the railroad’s spirit endured, tirelessly delivering coal, lumber, and agricultural treasures while connecting residents to new worlds beyond North Carolina.

 

The club’s meticulously crafted layouts are not mere representations; they are heartfelt tributes to the historical essence of Goldsboro, capturing the essence of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and celebrating local North Carolina railroads. Each scene reflects the deep-rooted connection between the community and the railroad industry, a bond forged in the flames of shared history. At the peak of its railroad glory, Waynesborough witnessed train tracks slicing right through the heart of the town—down the very center of Center Street. Those tracks were a lifeline, weaving through the fabric of daily life, while also presenting challenges that tested the community’s resilience. Yet, even with the trials, the railroad remained an undying pillar of the town’s identity and economic vitality.

 

Through its inspiring exhibitions and vibrant events, the club has risen to become an essential cultural beacon in Goldsboro, illuminating the vital role that railroads played in shaping the town’s evolution. Each display reverberates the rich legacy of the railroad running down Center Street, where the skies once filled with the embers of trains that sparked devastating fires, forever transforming the merchant wooden landscapes with resilient brick structures. The Waynesborough Model Railroad Club embodies the spirit of remembrance, ensuring that the echoes of the past reverberate through every heart, nurturing a profound appreciation for the railroad that once cradled a community in its iron embrace.

                     

 

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Today and the Future

Today, the Waynesborough Model Railroad Club stands as a vibrant beacon of passion and creativity, thriving with a devoted membership that epitomizes the deep love for model railroading. Nestled in the heart of historic downtown, the club has found its home in a charming brick storefront on Mulberry Street, adorned with a welcoming awning and vibrant apartments above, reaffirming the stories of generations past. This haven at 118 West Mulberry Street is not merely a location; it is a testament to Goldsboro's commitment to preserving its rich heritage while embracing the evolving needs of a community that honors its past while looking boldly to the future.

 

As Goldsboro flourishes, its prodigious roots in railroading, agriculture, and industry serve as the bedrock for modern development, infusing the very air with historical reverence. The Mulberry Street building is not just a structure; it stands as a living piece of history, a vital thread interwoven into the town's tapestry, reminding us of where we came from while contributing generously to our present and future. The club passionately holds monthly gatherings, immersing themselves in the creation of intricate layouts, and hosting captivating events that draw railroad enthusiasts from all corners of the region. They are a warm, welcoming sanctuary for individuals, whether they are budding newcomers or seasoned aficionados, ready to share their expertise and ignite the spark of creativity in anyone with a yearning for model trains.

 

Moreover, the club embraces artistic talent, providing opportunities for local students to leave their mark by designing breathtaking backdrops for layouts, offering them a chance to connect with the community and contribute towards something greater via community service hours for their local schools’ requirements.

 

Looking ahead, the Waynesborough Model Railroad Club is unwavering in its mission to pass down the joyous legacy of model railroading to future generations. They are ever eager to welcome new members and receive donations to support a myriad of exciting projects that benefit our beloved local community. Their eyes are set on innovative ways to engage and motivate, and give back to the community, ensuring that the profound love for trains resonates within the hearts of many for years to come.

 

In conclusion, the Waynesborough Model Railroad Club is more than an organization; it is a vital force in preserving and celebrating the rich railroad history of Goldsboro, North Carolina. Since its inception in 1982, it has united zealous model railroad enthusiasts, enlightened the public, and forged a lasting legacy filled with train-related wonder and education. It is a treasured space where the echoes of the past harmonize beautifully with the present, nurturing new generations of model railroaders who find inspiration in every turn of the track.