About The Center
THE SUNDANCE CENTRAL RAILROAD
The Sundance was formed in January 2004 with the goal to create a more detailed and uniformly scened, large-scale traveling layout. This 1:20.3 scale modular model railroad consisting of forty modules for a layout size of 45 feet by 45 feet. The railroad consists of 400 feet of hand laid code 250 aluminum rails that are hand spiked with individual tie plates onto wood ties with a total of 16 turn-outs.
The modular was built by a group of seven model train enthusiasts. This diverse group is made up of people who have a passion of early narrow gauge steam locomotives to modern day standard gauge diesels.
The purpose for forming this modular group was to provide the public a realistic look at model railroading in a large-scale format. The modules are highly detailed from the scratch built supporting structures and buildings down to the surrounding scenery. The trains and rolling stock that will be running on these modules will also be highly detailed and weathered. After taking the modular on the road throughout the country at prestigious conferences, the group decided it needed a more permanent home and the center was born.
In 2008, the Suncoast Center for Fine Scale Modeling, a 7800 square foot facility that currently houses The Sundance Central RR, the Muskrat Ramble RR, the Silverton RR, the Dollyvardin, was established primarily to showcase these incredible railroads. There are models, not only from the group, but from talented artisans around the world on display.
Open to the public one day a month, the Center has developed a reputation for being a must see attraction. Individuals and groups enjoy taking in all of the stunning displays and even catching a clinic to see how the magic happens.
The Sundance was formed in January 2004 with the goal to create a more detailed and uniformly scened, large-scale traveling layout. This 1:20.3 scale modular model railroad consisting of forty modules for a layout size of 45 feet by 45 feet. The railroad consists of 400 feet of hand laid code 250 aluminum rails that are hand spiked with individual tie plates onto wood ties with a total of 16 turn-outs.
The modular was built by a group of seven model train enthusiasts. This diverse group is made up of people who have a passion of early narrow gauge steam locomotives to modern day standard gauge diesels.
The purpose for forming this modular group was to provide the public a realistic look at model railroading in a large-scale format. The modules are highly detailed from the scratch built supporting structures and buildings down to the surrounding scenery. The trains and rolling stock that will be running on these modules will also be highly detailed and weathered. After taking the modular on the road throughout the country at prestigious conferences, the group decided it needed a more permanent home and the center was born.
In 2008, the Suncoast Center for Fine Scale Modeling, a 7800 square foot facility that currently houses The Sundance Central RR, the Muskrat Ramble RR, the Silverton RR, the Dollyvardin, was established primarily to showcase these incredible railroads. There are models, not only from the group, but from talented artisans around the world on display.
Open to the public one day a month, the Center has developed a reputation for being a must see attraction. Individuals and groups enjoy taking in all of the stunning displays and even catching a clinic to see how the magic happens.