Page 12 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2023

COAST NOTE
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of TrainTastic
World’s Largest Model Train Museum Opens in Gulfport
The opening of TrainTastic in Gulfport is the fulfillment of a dream held by two brothers who are enamored with model trains. With more than 50,000 square feet of exhibit space, TrainTastic is the world’s largest model train museum and gives the Coast another outstanding family attraction.
It all began when Richard and Glenn Mueller were boys and their dad gave them
a model train for Christmas. “They started collecting model trains, and as they got older their friends outgrew the trains and gave them to the Muellers,” says TrainTastic CEO Cynthia Minton-Walker. “They didn’t outgrow them and that’s what spurred this museum.”
The model train museum originally opened on the north side of Pass Road but kept outgrowing the space. Now TrainTastic occupies a beautiful, spacious facility on the south side. “The Muellers, who own the world’s largest Domino franchise, have a desire to see the community grow,” Minton-Walker said. “In addition to all the museum events, we’re going to do some fundraising here; whatever our community needs us to be involved in.”
The museum hopes to get a sponsor for a free night and will rent space for birthday parties and other events. There will also be field trips, summer camps and educational programs. “We hope to be a part of everyone’s thoughts when thinking of what to do,” the CEO added.
There are 26 railroad layouts with one costing $1 million to produce. Many of the displays are interactive. Also, there are trains to ride – one is self propelled –, climbing structures, and a S.T.E.A.M. Shop/STEM lab. A lot of Coast history and events are included in the layouts, and an outdoor garden is being developed.
“You really have to see it to understand,” Minton-Walker said. “We will continue to open fun new things for kids from 0 to 100.”
The 1960s era row of buildings has been transformed with a welcoming arch at the entrance and a recreation of a train waiting room complete with ticket window and period wooden benches.
TrainTastic
615 Pass Rd., Gulfport 228.284.5731 • www.traintastic.com
12 | August 2023
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