A group of Wilmington Railroad Museum volunteers built a model train that was 920 feet long and could move under its own power with 34 locomotives and 1700 freight cars, traveling 750 feet and setting the new world record for the Longest model train.
The Guinness world record record stands at 892 feet, 3 inches and was set by Miniatur Wunderland of Hamberg, Germany.
Guinness World Records also recognized the largest model railway engine: the Thomas the Tank Engine character 'James', which is 264.3 cm high, 149.6 cm wide, 652 cm long (104.05 x 58.59 x 256.69 in) and weighs nearly 1.5 tons (236.2 st).
After nearly one year and more than 3,500 hours of work, the modelers built a train that measured over 925 feet, breaking the previous world record held by the Germans of 892 feet.
The World's Longest model train also ran on its own power over 750 feet, breaking the requirement of 630 feet.
More than 1,700 cars are on the track.
Nearly 400 were donated from the community. For $25, folks could purchase a car to help fund the attempt; $100 bought an engine.
The model railroaders invested about 5000 hours of volunteer time for research, material acquisition, assembly, testing and calibration, layout fabrication, transportation and setup, monitoring and adjusting the train, and power design and distribution.
The core group of modelers was made up of about 30 men of all ages. They are thrilled to have broken the Guinness world record.
Staff of the Wilmington Railroad Museum said the goal was to raise awareness for the museum. |
Print
Longest Model Train