Donald Cooper Model Railroad

Donated by Rene L. Darboe

The Donald Cooper Model  Railroad was sprung  from a dream and lifelong passion for railroading by Donald Cooper and his wife Rene.  Their hard work, craftsmanship, and attention to detail formed the foundation of the railroad as it exists today.

The layout began in 1990 in Donald and Rene’s dining room.  Rene crafted all of the buildings and placed all of the tiny people on the layout.  Donald was in charge of tracks and wiring – a true labor of love.

Several years after Donald’s passing, Rene donated the 9×13 foot layout and over 700 cars and locomotives to the Mahwah Museum.  The railroad that we are still building utilizes many of their buildings, cars and locomotives.

The Mahwah Museum is very grateful to Rene and Ebrima Darboe for their generous gift of this collection for all to enjoy.