On September 30, 2024, the City Council unanimously approved a development agreement and public use covenant with Pacific West Rail Foundation (PWRF) to build and operate a Model Train Museum in downtown Snoqualmie.
The PWRF would permanently house one of the largest and most detailed O-scale working model railroads in the country. The model train collection is owned by Peter Hambling who, in 2022, presented the City Council a vision for an interpretive model train museum, featuring his extensive working model railroad to promote a cultural, historical, educational, and entertaining tourism experience.
The museum would be sited on properties located along Railroad Ave SE and SE King Street, including a vacant city-owned property that would be conveyed to the museum. PWRF will fundraise for the project, which is estimated to take up to three years. When fundraising is complete, construction of the museum would begin.
“This project aligns with the City Council priority to encourage economic vibrancy and advance our goals in tourism, retail, and hospitality. Our rich railroad history, which began in the late 1800s, connected our agricultural and timber resources to global markets while attracting a steady stream of tourists who continue to enjoy our beautiful scenery and small-town charm. Having both the Northwest Railway and Pacific West Rail Museums will create synergy that will greatly benefit our community,” commented Mayor Ross.
Model Train Museum Project Background
In December 2022, the City Council authorized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), where Peter Hambling would further develop the museum concept. In Fall 2023, when the Snoqualmie Tribe expressed concerns about the project’s proposed location at the corner of Snoqualmie Parkway and SR 202, the City Council approved an extension of the MOU to further assess the project. During the assessment period, the Pacific West Rail Foundation identified the parcels along Railroad Ave and SE King Street location as an alternative, viable option for the museum.
For further information regarding the Pacific West Rail Museum, access the Development Agreement and Public Use Covenant.
See images below of Pacific West Rail working model train.