Marvel Museum features large train exhibit

The Georgetown Historical Society had to make room for its new expansive HO railroad display at the Nutter Marvel Museum on South Bedford Street, Georgetown.

Jim Bowden, society president and project coordinator, said the display is a donation from Jim Boyer of Georgetown, who set up a train display for years at his home on North Bedford Street.

Not only is the train layout impressive, but also the walls of the museum room are covered with train memorabilia, along with 277 engines and 1,700 rail cars – some still in their original boxes – from Boyer’s collection.

Bowden said he enlisted the help of model railroad enthusiasts Kevin Brown, Chris Black and Ronnie Gillespie, all of Seaford, to re-create Boyer’s layout. He said new track was added, all trains were converted to steel couplings, and upgraded controls have been added.

“I knew he had a big collection, but it turned out to be unbelievable. We just kept finding cars and engines and buildings,” Bowden said.

Bowden said they are in the process of re-creating the Cape Charles, Va. rail yard to incorporate into the display.

The train display had a preview opening over the past two weekends, with a grand opening – along with a new Western Auto store exhibit – planned for spring 2022.