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The board of directors of the West Virginia Railroad Museum is offering the public an opportunity to own a railroad. In an effort to raise money for the museum and supporting equipment, chances are being sold on an 8-foot-by-10-foot working scale model railroad diorama.

"Although the layout doesn't look like Elkins, we did our best to give it an Elkins flavor," WVRRM President Jim Schoonover said. "Hopefully this will help to create interest in the layout."

More than 430 hours have been spent in the construction of the model railroad. Bill Wade, owner of BTS Co., maker of model railroads and railroad-associated buildings, equipment and dioramas, supervised the model's construction. Ed Griesel, Denver Barnett, Dave Bago and Schoonover and other board members assisted in its meticulously detailed construction. Those who constructed the model estimate that they have invested between $1,200 and $1,300 of their own and donated money, equipment and supplies in the project. The working model diesel engine and the kit were given by an anonymous donor.

Barnett said the group worked on the kit every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoon beginning in September to finish it.

In addition to the working engine and rolling stock, the model is made up of a railroad community containing representations of many local businesses. While the structures may not be exactly like the one it represents, the name of the business is prominently displayed giving the layout a very definite Elkins flavor. Twenty-two local businesses have donated $50 to be represented in the layout. A scale model of the big billboard located on the Talbott Glass building with "Smile - You're Alive" is a part of the display.

The money raised by the raffle will be applied to matching funds required by a grant the board of directors applied for to restore a 1946 Cadillac official car that was converted to a rail motor car in 1956 and used to inspect the Western Maryland Railroad. Once restored to working condition, the vehicles will be used to entertain donors with tours of The New West Virginia Central Railroad - with permission of the railroad's owners. Restoration of the old motor car is expected to be around $15,000.

Chances are $5 each or five for $20. The name of the winner will be drawn Dec. 19. The winner has the choice of taking the railroad diorama or $500 cash.

Tickets are available at Davis Trust Co., Elkins Depot Welcome Center, the Rails & Trails Store in Elkins and Ceramics with Class.

"I was very surprised by the number of people who have helped sponsor the project," Griesel said. "It is certainly a worthy project and we believe it will do well in helping to raise money for the museum."

The following business supported the project: Elkins Depot Welcome Center, All Season's Real Estate, Hiawatha's Country Story, Tunnel Mountain Bed & Breakfast, Lohr & Barb Funeral Home, Select In-Home Services, Dodd's Greenhouse, Elkins Builders Supply, Talbott Glass Co., Reliable Roofing Co., Schleer Builders, Davis Trust Co., Holiday Inn Express, Elkins Sewing Center, Elkins Regional Convalescent Center, Elkins Motor Lodge & 1863 Tavern, Pegasus Farm Campground & Music Park, Picket Patch, Days Inn & Suites, Mountain State, Accounting Solutions, Innovative Investments, Ceramics With Class and Woodland Scenics.

For more information, visit www.wvrailmuseum.com or e-mail contact@wvrailmuseum.com.