Wanted: A good home for the Magnolia Route, an HO model train layout depicting the real railroad that ran from Beaufort and Port Royal during the 1950’s.
The Beaufort Railroaders model train club needs to find a climate-controlled location where the 10×20 foot 
layout could be kept safely and displayed for the public to visit and enjoy. The club is losing its current layout area at River Oaks Assisted Living in Port Royal and is asking for help in finding a replacement space.
The Charleston & Western Carolina (C&WC) was the name of the real railroad that linked Port Royal Island with Spartanburg. The Magnolia Route was actually the name of C&WC’s passenger service early in the 20th Century. Magnolia trees marked each mile of track. Of particular interest is that many tens of thousands of Marine recruits first reached Parris Island by riding the C&WC Railroad from points far away.
This model train layout is a representation of that railroad in Port Royal (including the town and port), across the tidal creeks and rivers out to Yemassee junction, and the connections with other rail lines. The support structure, track, electric wiring and much landscaping is complete- including trees, bridges, buildings, cars and people. A motion detector senses visitors to the layout and automatically runs the train 
for a short time, or an “engineer” can take control and operate it for as long as desired.
Because of the size of this model train, places where it can be displayed are somewhat limited. In addition to the 10×20 layout, additional room will be needed to allow working and viewing space. The Beaufort Railroaders Club would be able to move the layout to any suitable location. Anyone who has ideas or offers of a place for a “good home” for the Magnolia Route, should contact Merl Redfern by email at merlredfern@gmail.com or phone at 812-725
