The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is a state owned and operated institution dedicated to entertaining train enthusiasts both far and wide. An organization that relies heavily on volunteer involvement, the Railroad Museum displays actual trains from many eras in our country’s history and provides toy trains for the younger fans to operate.

Benchmark Construction Company, Inc. had the pleasure of working at the Railroad Museum in 1994/1995 building a 45,000 square foot expansion to the eastern end of the Rolling Stock Hall. This project went on to win an Associated Builders & Contractors National Excellence in Construction Eagle Award in 1995. We were happy to accommodate their construction needs when the North American Railway Foundation, a private donor, asked if we would be interested in building the Hands on Learning Center.

The Hands on Learning Center is a unique 4,500 square foot wood structure built inside the western end of the Rolling Stock Hall of the Museum. Weather could only affect deliveries on this project which began in September 1999. Constructed to resemble a late Victorian period style freight station, this facility will be devoted to interactive learning and providing state-of-the-art education programs with a railroading theme.

The Hands on Learning Center is constructed of a wood frame, wood sheathing, wood siding, wood floor, and wood trim, a rarity in today’s commercial construction world. Many of the field force commented that it was a carpenter’s dream to work on this job. The wood siding runs in changing directions to give it the feel of a building from an era long past. Its ornate, custom-made rafter tails, newel posts, and brackets add a tremendous amount of character to the project. Also, footsteps can be heard on its beautiful tongue and groove hardwood floor and “freight” platform. Walking along its exterior can truly give you a feeling like you’re walking along a real station and walking right into the past.

The interior boasts several working model train exhibits. One such exhibit, named Pennsylvania Landscapes, spans 95 feet, the length of one of the first story sections. All scales of model trains can be found in working exhibits or displayed on a shelf that runs along the top of most of the walls. Installation of pegboard on the walls allows for flexibility in creating and updating displays.

Working inside the existing Museum posed some challenges for Benchmark’s management team. Special care had to be taken to protect exhibits and train cars in the adjacent area from construction dust and debris. A large dust wall of plastic was hung from the ceiling joists and extended to the floor below to try to minimize the amount of escaping construction dust. Also, close contact and coordination with the Education Director was necessary in order to be sure each piece of track would fit just right and each electrical outlet was installed in the appropriate location for the displays.

The Hands on Learning Center was a terrific project. Anticipation and excitement could be seen in the eyes of Museum employees and volunteers each time they peaked behind the plastic curtain to see the progress. Their excitement motivated us to a completion in January 2000. The Museum staff and volunteers have worked diligently setting up the displays for a public opening on May 27. Sure to please the crowds, the Hands on Learning Center is a one of a kind structure located right here in the heartland of Pennsylvania.

Location: Strasburg, PA

Design Professionals: James R. Rose, Architect & Planner

Total SF: 4,225 SF

Value: $490,000

Awards:  2001 ABC - Keystone Chapter AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Services Provided: General Construction Services

“I would have no hesitation to recommend Benchmark Construction Company, Inc. to anyone considering a custom construction project such as the one completed at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. The teamwork provided by their competent staff and the quality of their craftsmanship are evident to the thousands of Museum visitors who visit and enjoy the facility.” David W. Dunn Pennsylvania Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania