Montana's history is deeply intertwined with the iron horse. Railroads were the arteries that connected remote communities, fueled economic growth, and shaped the lives of countless Montanans. As time marches on, it's crucial to preserve this vital heritage for future generations. Recognizing this need, Art Up Montana has launched a Model Railroad Club with a powerful mission: to teach, paint, draw, build, and preserve the history of Montana railroads and the people who worked on and ran them.

Many younger generations only experience railroads through a modern lens, often disconnected from the romance, ingenuity, and hard work that characterized Montana's railroading past. Without intentional effort, these stories risk fading into obscurity. This is the challenge Art Up Montana's Model Railroad Club aims to address.

How the Model Railroad Club Will Bridge the Gap:

The club will tackle the issue of historical preservation from multiple angles, offering a multifaceted approach to learning and engagement:

• Hands-On Learning and Creative Expression: Beyond simply reading about railroads, the club will foster a dynamic learning environment through building, painting, and drawing. Members will delve into the intricacies of Montana railroad history as they recreate locomotives, railcars, and landscapes in miniature. This hands-on approach promotes deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject matter.
• A Monumental Display of History: At the heart of the club's activities will be the creation and public display of a massive model railroad within the Art Up Montana gallery. This elaborate setup will feature intertwining tracks and meticulously crafted miniature scenes depicting various eras and locations from Montana's railroad history. The public display will become a captivating visual narrative, attracting visitors of all ages and sparking conversations about the state's rich railroad heritage.
• Community Collaboration: Recognizing the importance of shared expertise and resources, the Model Railroad Club will actively collaborate with the Montana Museum of Railroad History. This partnership will enable joint classes, meetings, and events, offering club members access to historical archives, expert guidance, and opportunities to contribute to the museum's ongoing preservation efforts.
• Preserving the Human Element: Beyond the mechanical aspects of railroading, the club will emphasize the stories of the people who built, maintained, and operated Montana's railroads. Through research, oral histories, and artistic representations, members will strive to capture the lives and experiences of the individuals who shaped the state's railroad legacy.

By combining hands-on learning, artistic expression, and community collaboration, Art Up Montana's Model Railroad Club will not only preserve the history of Montana's railroads but also ensure that the stories of the people who built them endure for generations to come. The envisioned model railroad display will serve as a powerful reminder of the critical role railroads played in shaping Montana's identity, fostering both appreciation and understanding of this important aspect of the state's past. Through this project, Art Up Montana is committed to ensuring that Montana's railroad heritage remains vibrant and accessible to all.