Last updated: 2/28/2022
650 Maple St
Hendersonville, NC 28792
There is no admission charge to visit the railroad club or see any exhibits. We are completely free to the public. We accept but do not solicit donations. There is no "suggested" donation nor do we track the amount, if any, donated, by an individual.
There is free available, safe, parking on the street in front of the building and free parking spots just south of the building.
Free. Donations Accepted.
John Pezzano
phone: 828-270-0858
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he Apple Valley Model RR Club is open to the public with model RR layouts both inside and outside the historic 1902 Hendersonville depot and maintains a museum of railroad artifacts for the benefit of the public. The club also maintains the adjacent city-owned Southern Railway caboose open during club hours.
To provide an entertaining and enjoyable experience for the public as well as supporting the use of the historic Depot for railroad related purposes. To introduce model railroading to the young and the young at heart and provide an opportunity for children to learn model railroading by becoming members of the club.
The Apple Valley Model RR Club was founded as a 501(c)7 non-profit in 1984. It moved to the former Southern Rwy, then NS Railroad depot in 1992 after the city acquired the building from NS. Community volunteers restored the outside and club members restored the inside of the building after being invited by the city fathers to use the building. Over the last 20 years, the club has expanded and improved its layouts, added numerous railroad artifacts and installed a telegraph system that enables visitors to practice telegraphy.
Numerous artifacts and photographs of the depot, historic railroad items and the area around the building. There is a touchscreen computer to get information on any artifact on display and some that are not displayed.
Historical information on the Depot, the 7th Ave Historic district and the club.
We can and have provided lectures on the depot and the nearby Saluda Grade to groups arranging to visit the depot . No charge has ever been made for the service. Members of the club volunteer their time and there is no paid staff.
The building is heated and cooled. Restrooms are inside the building. There is a meeting room for groups or individuals to hear lectures or watch railroad videos.
Lecture Halls
The Apple Valley Model RR Club is a member organization of model railroad enthusiasts with a Board of Directors. Everyone is a volunteer.
The club maintains a library of railroad books.
Access:
Appointment required: No
We can provide tours for groups on request if a volunteer is available and arrangements are made in advance.
The meeting room, by city regulation, is only available to non-profit organizations in the city.
The club has no gift shop nor does it sell any items. It's income comes from cash donations of visitors and the sale of model railroad items donated to the club. All artifacts belonging to the club were donated. A few are on indefinite loan. There are some city-owned items also.
Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Group Tours
As a historic building, the main Visitor entrance cannot be modified. There is one step rise to enter the building but the double door is wide enough. However, if someone is unable to access through this entrance, club members will open the baggage doors which provide entrance with only a small bump. Members will also provide assistance to those that need it.
Access to the adjacent city-owned Southern Rwy caboose is not ADA accessible.
Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Restrooms
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