The Clovis Depot Model Train Museum, Remembering Clovis And The Santa Fe
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, distinctively known as the AT&SF, likely is not only this country’s but also the world’s most recognized and famous railroad. It has had its own movie, song, and numerous model trains and other purchasable gifts created in its honor. The railroad’s renowned Warbonnet livery has been made in several variations ranging from the more popular silver and red with yellow trim to the blue and yellow. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, albeit no longer an operating company, is truly a railroad whose name is as common as that of Coca Cola or General Electric. What led the Santa Fe, however, to becoming an industrial icon was the introduction of the Chief passenger train in late 1926, and then the Super Chief ten years later. In the late 1930s its legendary Warbonnet paint scheme was born, applied to the new streamlined Super Chief led by Electro-Motive’s new EA streamlined passenger diesels (the new motive power was something the Santa Fe was very quick to embrace), and it was an instant hit.  The Clovis Depot Model Train Museum was fortunate enough to see the building restored to its 1950s appearance and even has documents on hand of the building during its heyday. Along with the layouts featured the museum also showcases historic railroad pieces and memorabilia and in the spring of 1996 the museum was listed on the National Register of Historic Places further securing its future Altogether the museum has four operating layouts; one layout features railroading in Great Britian between 1930 to 1970; a second layout features the role railroads played in developing Australia and is presented in HO scale; a third layout, done in HO scale features the history of railroading in Clovis itself during the 1950s; finally a fourth layout is presented in N scale and depicts the Santa Fe operating in the Midwest. Along with the exhibits inside the depot you can also watch BNSF freight trains pass by along the platform outside. So, if you are interested in the real thing you may want to visit the Clovis Depot Model Train Museum just for this reason! In any event, if you plan to visit the Clovis area sometime you may want to visit the Clovis Depot Model Train Museum during your stay, they are open Wednesdays through Sundays, 12-5 pm throughout most of the year. Along with everything there to see they also offer guided tours.
Also, for more information and reading about excursion trains and railroad museums you might want to consider picking up Tourist Trains Guidebook from the editors of Kalmbach Publishing's Trains magazine. The book lists and reviews over 400 excursions and museums found throughout the country and is an excellent resource, which has received superb reviews by readers, if you're looking for one to visit. In any event, if you're interested in perhaps purchasing either (or both) of these books please visit the links below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.
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