Covering more than 1,400 square feet, the Piedmont and Western Railroad Museum is located in the historic Old Rock School, in Valdese, North Carolina. The best display, by far, is the two-room intricately detailed model railroad, one of the largest indoor train displays in the state. It was created by the passion and imagination of the P&W Railroad Club’s members and volunteers. The fictitious rail line takes you through about 1,000 feet of track on about 20 locomotives and almost 200 freight and passenger cars. Let’s take a look inside.
The P&W Railroad Museum is located on the ground floor of the Old Rock School.
Management/TripAdvisor It also houses a 500-seat auditorium, classrooms, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, an art studio, the Town of Valdese Community Affairs and Tourism Department, and a large event space.
The walls offer historic pictures of steam trains that were gradually replaced with electric and diesel power beginning in the late 1930s.
Barbara B/TripAdvisor
And some displays are impressively larger.
Piedmont and Western Railroad Club/Facebook
The P&W Railroad serves Western North Carolina extending from Marion, North Carolina to Leadvale, Tennesee.
Piedmont and Western Railroad Club/Facebook
Just look at this view as it crosses the Blue Ridge Mountains, carrying the trains of its owners, Southern Railroad and the Clinchfield Railroad, across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Piedmont and Western Railroad Club/Facebook
The P&W also maintains terminal facilities in Asheville, where train operators receive assignments, leave, or pick up local traffic.
Piedmont and Western Railroad Club/Facebook
The details are amazing of this old lumber operation.
Piedmont and Western Railroad Club/Facebook
Even the cleared landscape seems real with the mountain backdrop.
Piedmont and Western Railroad Club/Facebook
As you pass along, look over here at the hard-working people coming out of the mines.
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And just like in life, there must be some time for fun.
Piedmont and Western Railroad Club/Facebook
Are you ready to see one of the largest indoor train displays in the state? Informal viewing can be arranged on any Thursday evening and at other prearranged times. And while you’re in Valdese, visit the beautiful McGalliard Falls Park.
Management/TripAdvisor
It also houses a 500-seat auditorium, classrooms, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, an art studio, the Town of Valdese Community Affairs and Tourism Department, and a large event space.
Barbara B/TripAdvisor
Piedmont and Western Railroad Club/Facebook
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Address: The Old Rock School, 400 Main St W Suite 35, Valdese, NC 28690, USA
