{"id":422,"date":"2013-04-04T11:34:30","date_gmt":"2013-04-04T16:34:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wpmrm.org\/?page_id=422"},"modified":"2013-04-04T11:34:30","modified_gmt":"2013-04-04T16:34:30","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/wpmrm.org\/?page_id=422","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Click on the question for the answer.<\/em><\/p>\n

General Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n

I am a member \/ leader of a group, can we bring our group in for a private tour?<\/h1>

During the Holiday show season (Mid-November though Mid-January) we do host allow groups to visit us during non-show hours. To schedule a private tour send an email to groupinfo@wpmrm.org<\/a> to schedule the event.<\/p>\n

We currently do not host groups outside the Holiday Show season.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

Why are you not opened all the time?<\/h1>

The organization is run by volunteers.\u00a0 Since many members are still working full time jobs, it would be difficult to be open on a full time schedule.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

What do you do when you are closed for most of the year? <\/h1>

We are busy repairing all of our locomotives, taking inventory, doing some major house cleaning, build new structures\u00a0 and many other things to make your visit an enjoyable one for you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

Is membership open the public?<\/h1>

Yes! \u00a0We are always looking to find new members who can bring their various skills and their love of trains to the museum. \u00a0More information about joining the museum can be found on our Membership page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

The Display<\/strong><\/h2>\n

What scale is used for the layout?<\/h1>

The main display is HO scale or 1\/87 of real life.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

Is the Mon-Valley a real railroad?<\/h1>

No it is fictitious.\u00a0 It is a combination\u00a0 mostly of the Western Maryland and the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie railroads.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

Why is the layout set to the early 1950s?<\/h1>

We chose the early fifties for a number of reasons. \u00a0First, during the post war economic boom railroads were at their busiest, transporting large numbers passengers and freight. \u00a0Also during this time, railroads were starting to make the transition from steam to diesel allowing us to run both.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

Scenery<\/strong><\/h2>\n

How do you make the water?<\/h1>

Surprisingly, water does not look real when used for scale modeling (you need the dept to make it look real). \u00a0Water is simulated using a clear epoxy called Envirotex. Typically, this used for hard wood bar finishes. \u00a0Over the years, we have developed techniques to make rapids, waterfalls and currents.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

How do you make the rock croppings?<\/h1>

We have a number of methods of crating the out croppings.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Plaster molds\u00a0<\/strong>– The simplest way is to use a plaster mold. \u00a0Once the plaster hardens, the mold is removed and the plaster is painted.<\/li>\n
  2. Ceiling tiles<\/strong> – To get the\u00a0striated\u00a0look, drop ceiling tiles are scored and then snapped and stacked on top of each other<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Real rock<\/strong> – In some cases, we will use rock (slate) on the display.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>

    How many trees are on the layout?<\/h1>

    We estimate that there are\u00a0between 250,000 to 300,000 trees. \u00a0Approximately 95% of those are made by hand.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

    How do you make the trees?<\/h1>

    We have x different types of Trees:<\/p>\n