Gatsme

The Rockledge Model Railroad Museum is the home of the Gatsme Model Railroad Club, Inc. Our mission is to educate the public on the art and history of model railroading, and how the real railroads had such a large impact on the development of our region. Gatsme began in 1952 in the basement of our founder, Jim Greener. It moved to the basement of a... pizza shop on Pennsylvania ave, where it stayed for many years. In 1975, the club moved the basement of the former Fort Washington Elementary School at the corner of Madison Ave and Prospect Rd in Fort Washington, PA. The Fort Washington exhibit was featured in local newspaper and was on TV several times. It was even featured in Model Railroader magazine. Manufacturers used the layout for product photography as well. There are videos posted to show the high level of detail that we produced. In June 2013, after 36 years, Gatsme lost their lease and was forced to deconstruct the railroad. The members immediately began looking for a new home. In April 2014, Gatsme purchased the Old Mill building in Rockledge where we now reside. The first two years were spent on building renovations. The windows were repaired and are now replaced with coverings. The brick was pointed inside and outside. Several roof beams were also repaired with sister joists. Lighting, heating, and two ADA bathrooms were added. Numerous patches and a new drain have been installed in the roof. July of 2016 was the start of the railroad construction, the fourth that Gatsme has constructed. The transition era of 1953 is demonstrated, but you will see equipment from different eras as well. We saved the structures, and exhibit pieces that are now on display. A couple of pieces of the previous railroad have been integrated into the current version. The display features hand laid rail. Please see the plan and project pages for more information on the museum exhibit railroad. We are excited to continue our mission to educate the public on the art and history of model railroading and how railroads had such a ...Read More