More fun, fascination and convenience being planned into this important project
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (January 7, 2019) – For the first time since it was created in 2011, Union Station’s Model Railroad Experience is being refreshed, reimagined and expanded. Beginning January 14th, the Model Railroad Experience – located at the North end of Grand Plaza – will close until mid-April for a major makeover of the 6000 sq. ft. guest-favorite destination.
“The reimagined space will accomplish several important goals,” George Guastello, Union Station president and CEO, said. “Importantly, expanded space to provide a better walking flow will be incorporated. A new office and workshop will be added for the wonderful volunteers who maintain the exhibits. And a permanent interior walkway will be built to offer greater guest convenience during events held in Union Station’s Grand Plaza (original North Waiting Room). In total, this project will be a real win for everyone visiting the Station, accessing the Haverty Freighthouse Bridge and enjoying our Model Rail exhibit.”
During the temporary closure, Union Station will focus on greatly enhancing visitor experience along with refreshing model train layouts, adding scenic treatments and incorporating interpretive displays that explore the history and craft of model train building.
“We haven’t made updates of this magnitude to the Model Railroad Experience since it originally opened in 2011,” Guastello, said. “With this exciting renovation, we’re able to take a cherished space and destination within Union Station and make it even more fun, fascinating and convenient.”
The Model Railroad Experience – visited by over one quarter of a million people annually — is designed, built, and maintained by Union Station volunteers. Because of these dedicated volunteers, the Model Railroad runs year-round and nearly doubles in size during the Christmas holiday season. Eight different train scales, ranging from the smallest Z-Gauge to the largest G-Gauge, run simultaneously. And more than 80 total trains are running daily to capture the imaginations of model railroaders and casual fans of every age.
Watch the progress and check for updates regarding Union Station’s Model Railroad Experience makeover at unionstation.org.
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Union Station Kansas City — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization — is a 104-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. Recently awarded “Favorite Attraction”, “Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction” and “Favorite Historic Attraction”, the organization — dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history — is home to Kansas City’s internationally-awarded Science City; the new Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre; the popular Model Railroad Experience; City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses, and regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibitions. Awarded “Top Banquet Facilities in KC” by KC Business Journal, the facility annually hosts hundreds of community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Visit WWW.UNIONSTATION.ORG for details. Also, follow us on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and YOUTUBE.