If you live convenient to Bettendorf, Iowa a must see HO model RR is the beautiful Midwest Trains Club Layout at 1114 State Street next door to The Midwest Trains Hobby Shop. Approx. 2 blocks west of I-74 in Downtown Bettendorf. The open house will begin at 12 NOON and run until 4 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE. To view a map locating Midwest Trains in Bettendorf, scroll to the bottom of this post.
The Midwest Trains Hobby Shop, next door to the club layout, will be open that Sunday, and specializes Model Railroading
Selected photos taken at the Club are posted below.
For a Video taken at the 2007 club open house, click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu34KdATmZ8
A few years back their layout was supposed to appear in MR magazine. I remember the photog being there, but for some reason it was never published.
This is definately one of the finest club layouts you will ever see. I've got an old layout schematic from them that has dimensions. I'll look for it and post it when I get home.
I saw this layout years ago when I traveled back to the Quad cities from California. I friend I modeled with when I lived there owned the building and funded the club. It was very impressive. Unfortunately it sat where the new I74 bridge comes to ground and was bought out by the state. The owner felt he was too old to start over again and most of the equipment sits in a warehouse looking for a buyer...... bring lots of money.