Last model train leaves station

SHEBOYGAN - After 15 years at the Railroad Lodge in Sheboygan, the last model train has left the station.

"The only thing that isn't down is the expenses," said Leo Schneider, president of the Sheboygan Scale Model Railroad Engineers. Schneider said the group only has eight dues paying members. On Sunday, the group held its final open house and brat fry.

"For financial reasons we just need to give it up. It's a sign of the time I guess. Expenses are up, membership is down and we just can't afford to maintain a building," Schneider said.

Judging by the crowds on Sunday, this place will be missed.

"Its too bad. I think it's a big loss for the Sheboygan community," said Mary Manz from Kiel. "Every year that they have the open house we bring our grandkids down. We've made it a yearly thing. They really enjoy it and so do we," she added.

Bob Schoenenberger said the display brings back memories and helps create them.

"I had a train set when I was young. My dad did too. We have one in the works so it's nice to see a finished set like this," Schoenenberger said.

While the group is closing the Railroad Lodge members say they will stay organized. They also hope to re-open at some point in the future. "It would make us happy if somebody with deep pockets walked in the front door and said we'd like to help you out," Schneider said. But that has not happened yet. So Schneider said as much as the group doesn't want to, it has no choice but to call it quits.

Schneider also said an area historical society has expressed interest in buying the building so the train exhibit could continue. But right, now, that remains just a possibility.