The Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Club was formed in 1994 on S. New Street in Bethlehem. After 2 years, the members lost their lease at that location and were forced to move. In November of 1996 they purchased a building at 705 Linden St. in Bethlehem, Pa. where operations continue today. The members of the Club have spent more than 20 years constructing a model railroad layout depicting the historic routes of local railroads. In 2006, wishing to share their creation with the general public, they formed the Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum. Members of the club operate and maintain the Museum. They continue to enhance the Museum displays. The Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, contributions to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
The layout in HO scale depicts the route of the Lehigh Valley Railroad during the period 1950 to 1976, from West Portal NJ to Bethlehem Pa. and north to Coxton Pa. The Reading Railroad From Quakertown Pa. To Bethlehem Pa. then to Harrisburg Pa. The Central of New Jersey from Elizabethport NJ to Wilkes-Barre Pa. Anyone familiar with the geographical area will recognize landmarks which have been recreated from vintage photographs. The layout is over 5,000 sq. ft. and is double decked, consisting of about 7,000 ft of track, over 250 turnouts (150 are powered). There is a helix connecting the lower and upper level. The scenery is nearing completion. In 2005 the layout was switched from DC to the NCE DCC System. Shortly thereafter a computer system was incorporated. JMRI Software was added to run train detection and signaling utilizing Digi-trax equipment. The CTC Room, with 6 computer screens, is able to operate the entire layout, providing prototypical operation of the railroad.
Description
Visit the Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum this Holiday Season. We will be open Friday November 25, 2023. Our 5,000 sq ft display features the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas in the late 50's through the early 70's. Admission is $8, children 12 and under are free. Fun for the whole family! We hope to see you there! In an effort to ease crowding around the display, online tickets are now available for purchase. Walk up sales are still available, however you may have to wait to enter the display. Please check out our other dates and themes below.
Sunday November 19
Friday November 24
Saturday November 25
Sunday December 3
Saturday December 9 Thomas
Sunday December 10 Thomas
Saturday December 16 Steam-50s
Sunday December 17 Steam 50’s
Saturday December 23 Passenger Trains
Tuesday December 26 60s-70s
Thursday December 28 5PM-9PM
Friday December 29 5PM-9PM Foreign Power Friday
Saturday December 30 Passenger Trains
Saturday January 6 80s-90s
Sunday January 7 80s-90s
Saturday January 13 Modern
Sunday January 14 Modern
Date & Time
Nov 25, 2023 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
Venue Details
Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum
705 Linden StreetBethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018