Although construction on the museum began in 2005, the collection Exhibited inside was decades in the making.
Big Ed Ruland passed his love for trains to his sons, Wayne and Gary. Trying to raise a family on a modest income did not leave much room in the budget for an expanding train hobby, so he also taught his boys to repair, restore and make do with what was on hand and to love what ever train came there way... no matter what condition it might be in. When the time came, Ed's extensive collection was incorporated into Wayne's growing collection. Wayne also received his brother's collection combining almost a hundred years of collective love for trains into the rare and amazing collection you see in Ruland Junction.
Big Ed Ruland passed his love for trains to his sons, Wayne and Gary. Trying to raise a family on a modest income did not leave much room in the budget for an expanding train hobby, so he also taught his boys to repair, restore and make do with what was on hand and to love what ever train came there way... no matter what condition it might be in. When the time came, Ed's extensive collection was incorporated into Wayne's growing collection. Wayne also received his brother's collection combining almost a hundred years of collective love for trains into the rare and amazing collection you see in Ruland Junction.
The majority of our trains have been played with again and again by many children (young and old)
through the years. They have come to us in all states of disrepair, some really abused and some almost like new. All have been gratefully taken in and given equal opportunity to tell their stories.
Come share in their adventure!
through the years. They have come to us in all states of disrepair, some really abused and some almost like new. All have been gratefully taken in and given equal opportunity to tell their stories.
Come share in their adventure!
Wayne Ruland, Owner/Operator
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Daniel Hipp, Train Master
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