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Looking Back @ The Spike - Claire Saucier

December 1, 2025

Iron Spike has been a “God Project” since Don Burhans first considered building a model train museum in Washington, MO. His goal was to have a family-affordable, family-friendly, year-round attraction in our town. During the last 11+ years we have experienced more God-winks than I can count. In case you are unfamiliar with that term, it describes an event that is seemingly coincidental but comes from divine origin. It is always a sign of hope.

After an exhausting search for property to house the museum or on which to build the museum, Bill Straatmann said “What about my old building?” God-wink #1.

Don started installing the first museum layout in the Welcome Center in January 2015. It was the only layout Iron Spike ever purchased. Joyce Sibole sold us her husband Don’s layout. It was an interesting HO layout with “good bones.” Don saw great potential and began working to transform it from a typical home layout to a museum quality layout. One of his ideas was to add a second set of tracks. The only problem was he needed another 400 feet of HO track and cork. About 15 minutes later I was preparing to order the track when a car pulled into the parking lot. We watched as a gentleman went to the back seat and came to the door carrying an armload of track and cork. He said, “I’m changing to N-scale. Can you use this?” It was about 370 feet of HO track and cork for the roadbed. God-wink #2. I think that was the day I knew Iron Spike was God’s project, not ours alone. He would guide us to success if we remained faithful to the mission and listened.

Every year has been marked by many instances of divine intervention, or God-winks as we call them, that have kept us moving forward. When we had trash to dispose of, we met The Other Trashman. Volunteers approached Don, bringing their skills not only to help build the layouts but also to remodel the building to make it the showplace it is today. Everyone arrived and everything happened at just the right time, just when we needed it and for that we thank God.

When Don died on Mar 2, 2024, I wasn’t sure what would happen at the museum. I didn’t have the knowledge he had and certainly couldn’t guide the layout development in the same way he had. I prayed for guidance and learned that it was time to encourage others to share their ideas that would keep the museum improving and growing. And now, thanks to some amazingly generous donors interested in helping us ensure our future, we hope to close on the purchase of our building and property in January 2026. The future of Iron Spike looks amazing.

So, it is time for me to move on. I am retiring at the end of 2025. While I will continue to be involved with the museum, others will take over the recruiting of volunteers, managing finances and introducing new programs. Someday I’ll try to write down all the many God-winks we have experienced. In the meantime, I know God will continue to watch over this gem of our community and guide the volunteers in their inspirations.

What's New @ The Spike - Claire Saucier

September 22, 2025

We have successfully cultivated some new relationships but Iron Spike STILL needs your financial support ! What would help the most is for all of our followers and supporters to donate monthly. This would establish consistent, reliable income. Just scan the QR code to the left to donate on-line. Through PayPal you can set up a monthly donation without even having a PayPal account. Just use your favorite rewards credit card and it will benefit you also!

We are making plans for 2026! As usual we will close for our annual clean-up during the first two weeks of January. Our annual train show will be April 18th, 2026. We will also be at the Great Train Show in St. Charles, as well as some of the closer shows in Pacific and Arnold. These shows really help us get the most out of our excess donations. Please stop by our table and say hello when you attend.

We are still looking for volunteers interested in helping operate the museum, sell items on eBay, help with the bookkeeping, keep an eye on visitors, do general clean up, and lots more. If you are looking for a place to volunteer where you will make a difference, please come to Iron Spike!

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.

Registry for Good | Support local causes - Walmart.comRegistry for Good, Walmart is teaming up with nonprofits to get them the supplies they need. Follow our 3 easy steps to find out more! Walmart.

Iron Spike Model Train Museum: eBay Store

Iron Spike, Inc. operating as Iron Spike Model Train Museum, is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 tax-exempt corporation. It is committed to the preservation of railroad history primarily through model trains of many scales. The Museum is supported by monetary and material donations and operated by volunteers. The eBay store sells donated material that cannot be used by the Museum but is still very useable. You will see a wide range of items because donors have been very generous. All eBay sales go to support the Museum.

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!!

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