Letter To The Editor: Model Railroad Club

The Severna Park Model Railroad, housed in the 105-year-old train station for 58 years, is a national treasure. The club’s display has been on the cover of Model Railroader, a national magazine, five times — each with a featured article. In addition, it appeared on the cover of a special edition also published by Model Railroader. No other model railroad club in the United States has had that honor.

We are the only completely finished club layout in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Every time there is a national convention within 100 miles of Severna Park, visitors come to see the layout and spend time in Severna Park. Its reputation is also known internationally as evidenced by a visit from the head of state from Denmark.

The model railroad club spent over $8,000 just this year, updating the train system from analog to digital, thus making the experience more realistic for visitors. Three open houses are held every year and are well attended. Our door is always open every Thursday evening except Thanksgiving. Severna Park Model Railroad Club is an active member of and an asset to the community for the unique experience it provides.

The old railroad station building is now being considered by the landlord, the Olde Severna Park Improvement Association, to house new tenants, thus bringing interior changes that would not include the model railroad.

There currently is no air-conditioning system and no plumbing in the building. New tenants would also need to have the electrical system updated. It would require spending thousands and thousands of dollars to install these major renovations. It means completely removing the long-standing, popular and nationally valued Severna Park Model Railroad Club’s display!

Mike Zitzmann
Secretary/treasurer of the Severna Park Model Railroad Club