What's New @ The Spike - Claire Saucier
It has been awhile since we posted an update here. That just shows how busy the museum and all its volunteers have been.
If you haven't visited recently take advantage of the beautiful weather we are having and plan a trip to Washington MO. At Iron Spike our Welcome Center has been redesigned and now it's much easier to find buildings and other train-related items that are for sale. In the museum, our scenery has taken a leap forward too.
The caboose exterior is beautiful! We have started working on the interior now. Still a lot of work to do but you will love the way it's shaping up. We also recently received a Fairmont Speeder (pictures of both on our Facebook page). For the moment it is placed near the caboose until we can get a short track put down for it. We're thinking it could make a great float in the local parades once we get it cleaned up. What do you think?
What's New @ The Spike - Claire Saucier
Published by Claire Saucier, April 23, 2022
Don't Forget!
April 30th - 6th Anniversary Train Show at City Auditorium, 211 High Street, Washington, MO 63090
10am to 3pm
All vendor tables are sold! We are expecting a great day for our 6th Anniversary Train Show. Remember, kids under 12 get in free FOR THE TRAIN SHOW. If you decide to visit the Museum after shopping, you'll have to pay for them there.
What's New @ The Spike - Claire Saucier
Published by Claire Saucier, March 12, 2022
Spring is just around the corner. That means the Monthly Model Train Market at Iron Spike returns on March 19th. We'll continue on the 3rd Saturday of each month (weather permitting) through at least October. Come see the treasures we have for sale and visit our vendors who make a special trip to offer you the opportunity to see their wares.
We are pleased to announce that work will soon begin on the caboose restoration. We have sponsors for all 19 windows. The exterior should be painted by June 4. That's the day of our Caboose on the Loose Poker Run - a motorcycle event with 5 planned stops along the scenic roads of Missouri River Country. See our Facebook page for sign-up details or call the Museum @636-283-5166.
NEWS: April 30th - 6th Anniversary Train Show at City Auditorium, 211 High Street, Washington, MO 63090
10am to 3pm
What's New @ The Spike - Claire Saucier
Published by Claire Saucier, December 19, 2021
Happy New Year to all!
Iron Spike had a very successful Giving Tuesday campaign that raised just over $3000 toward our Capital Campaign. Since our last update, we have upgraded to LED lighting throughout the building. It really makes a difference in seeing those tiny details, especially on the N-scale layout.
The Caboose Restoration Fund now stands at $10,058! We have sponsors for 15 of the 19 windows. Only room for 4 more. YOU could be a window sponsor for a donation of just $200. Stop by or send us a check or donate on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/IronSpikeModelTrainMuseum).
In the Welcome Center, you'll notice a new display that we are calling "Williamstown III." In September, we received a very generous donation of Bill's train layout from the William O'Neill family. We are introducing Phase I of the layout which features a pre-war American Flyer train and some of Bill's Department 56 holiday buildings and decorations. This display will change throughout the year to showcase more of this amazing donation.
BIG NEWS
THE MUSEUM WILL CLOSE FROM JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 18. WE NEED SOME TIME TO WORK ON A FEW PROJECTS WITHOUT INTERRUPTION. WE WILL REOPEN ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19 AT 10AM.
Reservations!
Published by Claire Saucier ·updated May 18, 2022
If you wish to see operating trains on Wednesday or Thursday, you will need to make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance to visit the Museum. Please call : 636-283-5166. This is due to a significant shortage of trained volunteers. Volunteers are needed to conduct tours, operate trains and just answer visitors questions. If you are interested in learning what it takes, just come by and talk with us or give us a call. We'd love to have you as part of the Iron Spike family.
As a reminder, we still request visitors to leave a contact phone number before entering the Museum. Visitors may wear masks or not by individual choice. We appreciate very much that most of you have been very cooperative with our safety precautions. These procedures are in place because we want to stay healthy and we want you to stay healthy, too.
Registry for Good
So, you've all heard of a bridal registry? Iron Spike now has a "Registry for Good" courtesy of Walmart.com. It is another way you can show your love and support to your favorite model train museum. We have a registry called "Everyday Essentials." It only contains things we use on a regular basis such as office supplies, batteries for the LEGO display, and coffee for the volunteers. We've kept the list modest and frugal. The great thing is ANYONE can purchase off the list, and the items will be delivered directly to us. Here is the link to our registry landing page. Maybe you will find something on our list that you would like to help out with. Of course, we have also included gift cards to help out with those unexpected or one-time purchase needs.
Posted 05/01/2021 Iron Spike Model Train Museum
Published by Claire Saucier
The Children's Train Room is back open, and little ones are enjoying themselves again! (Big kids, too!)
https://www.ebay.com/str/ironspikemuseum
Iron Spike, Inc is a 501(c)(3) public charity museum in Washington Missouri, dedicated to the preservation and display of model railroading and railroad history. All listings benefit the museum and come from donations. www.ironspike.org
Do you have a Lionel train layout and want to expand? We have large selection of vintage track available. Also vintage HO engines, cars, etc. Large selection of Village items for detailing your home train layout. Come in and check it out!!
Just one more way you can help support Iron Spike. When you shop on Amazon, and we KNOW you do, choose AmazonSmile and designate Iron Spike as your chosen charity. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to US at no extra cost to you. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are right around the corner...we appreciate your support.
What's New @ The Spike - Claire Saucier
Published by Claire Saucier, April 23, 2022
Don't Forget!
April 30th - 6th Anniversary Train Show at City Auditorium, 211 High Street, Washington, MO 63090
10am to 3pm
All vendor tables are sold! We are expecting a great day for our 6th Anniversary Train Show. Remember, kids under 12 get in free FOR THE TRAIN SHOW. If you decide to visit the Museum after shopping, you'll have to pay for them there.
What's New @ The Spike - Claire Saucier
Published by Claire Saucier, May 17, 2022
Third Saturday Monthly Model Train Market is this Saturday, May 21st. Rain or Shine!
Work is moving swiftly on the caboose restoration. I just posted some progress photos on the gallery page of our website. I didn't delete the old pictures so you'll need to scroll through to see us Art removing the window grates, applying the primer and how that first coat of the new red paint looks. For anyone wondering the color is called New Holland Red. Thanks to Sherwin Williams for a perfect match.
One side will be complete in time for our FUNdraiser on June 4th. That's the day of our Caboose on the Loose Poker Run - a motorcycle event with 5 planned stops along the scenic roads of Missouri River Country. Three ways to find out more:
1) See our Facebook page for sign-up details or
2) Go back to the Depot on our web page or
3) Go straight to sign-up page at https://www.morivercountry.com/event-details/caboose-on-the-loose-a-big-muddy-run-event. It will be a great day! Please join us.