Model Train Layout

The Museum’s Donald Cooper Model Railroad is an operating HO-Scale model railroad.  The layout allows for many trains to travel between levels and on different routes.   The railroad yard is fully functional, allowing operations to make up trains and dispatch them to their own destinations. Layout highlights include:

• A four-level high layout with three independent scenic modules that are constantly changing
• Centralized electronic switches which allow the operation to control the entire layout from the DCC central control panels.
• A trolley, a subway system, logging station, waterfall, roundhouse and turntables

On any given weekend we run:

• Four mainline trains
• Two subway trains
• A logging train
• A trolley

The  four mainline trains are changed every weekend so there is always something different running each weekend. We invite engineers of all ages to come and visit our ever-changing and growing railroad world!

What’s New at the Donald Cooper Model Railroad?

First Set of Cross Signals

July 2023

Drone Tour of the Donald Cooper Layout

December 2020

See the Donald Cooper Model Railroad in a whole new way – enjoy a bird’s-eye-view of the railroad layout with a simulated drone tour.

The Trackside Drive-In

Opened September 26, 2020

A hearty welcome to our Drive-In Theater

The volunteers of the Donald Cooper Model Railroad at the Mahwah Museum announce the opening of the Trackside Drive-in, a working drive-in theater in HO scale.  Our first feature being shown on the big screen is “King Kong vs Godzilla”.  Come and relive the nostalgia of watching a movie under the stars during the summer evening from the comfort of your favorite car.