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The Model Railroad Museum of Hampton Roads has already laid the groundwork to be a STEM educational center. Model Railroading is a multifaceted hobby, more so than perhaps any other pastime. Opportunities for education abound. There is so much to learn. It is much more than just watching trains run around a loop of track.

STEM is an acronym referring to the teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering and  Mathematics and is being encouraged in schools throughout the country. All of these disciplines and more are required and used in the construction and operation of model railroads. We often like to add an "A" to the acronym changing it to STEAM. The "A" stands for Art, since we believe model railroading is also a 3-dimensional art form; and, of course the word steam has an obvious connection to steam engines, which we frequently use in modeling the era prior to 1955.

How Do We Fit In as a STEM Educational Center?

Building the benchwork for a model railroad requires some knowledge of using tools, saws, hammers, screwdrivers, etc. Carpentry skills must be learned to create a platform on which to build a sturdy base, but not too heavy, for a model railroad. The weight of the layout is important to consider because it may have to be moved at some point.

Mathematics, geometry, radii of curves, accurate measurements of everything, conversion of real measurements to scale measurements, knowledge of inclines and grades, and more, are required knowledge for model railroading.

Physics are involved in measuring momentum, distance traveled over time, determination of friction or lack thereof, centrifugal and gravitational forces, steam pressure, braking, etc.

Electronics and electrical engineering are involved in learning how locomotives move, how motors work; computer boards are used for automatically reversing polarity in a loop of track, automating locomotive movements, stopping and starting up again after a delay. Infrared and radio signals are used to operate trains. Computer programs can operate train movement and railroad signals.

Civil, electrical, mechanical and architectural engineering skills are also required for building bridges, buildings, determining clearance, creating tunnels, expressways, subways, catenary structures, etc.

Chemistry is used in creating water effects, mixing paints, weathering engines and railcars, learning how to transport chemicals safely. Making resin molds and metal castings is also used extensively.

Learn also about 3D printing and laser cutting in creating structures, railcars, bridges, etc.

Artificial intelligence is another newer scientific approach to landscape and track design, as well as in creating novel structures.The Model Railroad Museum is at the cutting edge of all this new technology. Other examples include computer controlled animation, fiberoptic lighting, digital command control, automated sounds, wireless train control and the use of virtual augmented reality.

Industry and commerce are also part of model railroading skills, knowing how to transport certain products, where they originate from and where they need to go. Model railroad operating sessions are based on this. Learn how fortunes have been made by knowing how to do this efficiently. Learn about how this country was built and prospered as a result of trains. 

History is integrated with railroads. If you know about railroads, you will know about our country's history, Model railroads can depict many historical events, like the civil war, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad at Promontory, Utah, how the West was won, and many others. Hampton Roads, as one of the major ports on the east coast, has a remarkably rich history of how railroads were used to develop commerce and industry in this country. The Museum helps to demonstrate this history. You will see how each one of our layouts depicts some historical event.

Science is a large part of model railroading, including understanding scientific concepts and learning how things work. There are many people today who don't trust science mostly because they don't understand it, but it affects almost every part of our lives one way or another. It provides proof and understanding about how things work. It is not a contradiction to religious beliefs, but actually coexists with them.

Other important concepts that we learn in model railroading is teamwork, leadership, learning social skills, getting along with others, helping others to learn what you know, comradery and lifelong friendships. As a STEM educational center, our training includes all of these concepts.

Model railroading encompasses artistic expression in many ways. One can learn much about art in creating backdrops, painting murals, developing landscapes, learning where to place and separate scenes so they are more pleasing to the human eye. Photographing model railroad scenery and trains is an art in and of itself.

In addition to model railroading, we will include additional scientific and engineering projects, like robotics, motor-driven erector sets, learning about Arduino projects and programming, 3-D printing, faking fire and smoke, building highways, tunnels and bridges, construction sets of all kinds, how to create useful things out of trash.

If you are a teacher and want to learn how you may be able to help your students learn more about science and particularly STEM concepts, give us a call. We will have free tours for school children every Wednesday, including STEM classes, using the protocols designed by the University of Illinois. Sign up here or call 757-816-8399 for more information.

Volunteer

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Welcome to

New Tracks Modeling!

New Tracks Modeling is an exciting digital opportunity to obtain mentoring to help you improve your modeling.  You will meet talented modelers and manufacturers from all over the world who will share their model building expertise and artistic advice.  New Tracks Modeling is open to all modelers of all skill levels in any scale or gauge.

Our Shows are live every Wednesday evening at 7pm Eastern/4pm Western on Zoom and YouTube. By subscribing to our website newtracksmodeling.com you’ll receive email notices containing links to both the Zoom and YouTube presentations.

New Tracks Modeling Mentoring Scholarship

Your donation will help to provide scholarships for model railroaders who are HS graduates and continuing their education in a STEAM field.Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

To donate click on this link.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/038439bf-a552-44e2-9b46-ef54aaa0e274

Donate

The Model Railroad Museum of Hampton Roads will be a fantastic community center based on running, operating and even building your own model railroads! There's something for every age here.

Learn about the real history of this area and how important it was in the building of America. Watch how railroads were built, the people involved, where America's roots were formed. 

As they build their own railroads, students will be learning about science, electronics,  architecture, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the art of 3 dimensional model landscaping. They can earn rewards for completing projects and winning contests.

Try to solve yardmaster problems on a switching layout like getting the lumber from the forest to the furniture store, by way of the saw mill and the lumber yard.

Run your train around blockades and other trains to get to the station on time without speeding or crashing.

Play railroad monopoly using model railroads. Winner is the one who can collect the most cars into his yard within an hour.

There will be programs for autistic and special needs kids, disabled adults and veterans.

School tours. Holiday Shows. Library and video rooms. Scouts are welcome. Even youngsters will have their own wooden models to enjoy. Classrooms and hands-on clinics for adults. Learn how to get started in the hobby. Or just enjoy the fun.

Everybody loves trains and this will prove it!  Just click on the either the blue or the yellow DONATE button below to make it happen... 

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