FORT MYERS, Fla. ( September 15, 2015) – Shell Point Retirement Community’s Gulf Coast Model Railroad attraction opens for the season on Monday, Oct. 5, with free tours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. through April 2016. The train exhibit offers a unique look at notable sites throughout Florida, and is located on The Island at Shell Point, 15000 Shell Point Boulevard, Fort Myers.
Shell Point’s 40’ x 40’ model train display features several running trains and hundreds of recognizable miniature geographic landmarks, such as Tallahassee’s old Capitol Building, Pensacola freight yards, the Gainesville Gator Bowl, Walt Disney World, including Epcot, Kennedy Space Center with an orbiting Space Shuttle, the Everglades, the Sanibel Lighthouse, and even Shell Point Retirement Community.
The popular attraction closes for renovations and upgrades during the summer, conducted by Shell Point resident volunteers who enjoy model railroads as a hobby and want to share their interest with others. One new landmark to explore is Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom, which boasts a three-dimensional castle fit for a princess, complete with working lights and hand-painted bricks. Next, head over to the Naval Base in the Pensacola area to witness U.S. Navy planes flying in formation high in the sky. Be sure to check out the realistic “burning” house in St. Petersburg, with simulated smoke pouring out of the windows.
All aboard! Shell Point Retirement Community’s Gulf Coast Model Railroad offers a unique look at miniature sites throughout Florida. (Wendy Iverson/Shell Point Retirement Community)
Shell Point Retirement Community’s 40’ x 40’ model train display features several running trains and hundreds of recognizable miniature geographic landmarks. (Wendy Iverson/Shell Point Retirement Community)
All tours of Shell Point’s Gulf Coast Model Railroad are complimentary, led by resident volunteers who enjoy model railroads as a hobby and want to share their interest with others. (Wendy Iverson/Shell Point Retirement Community)
The Gulf Coast Model Railroad has welcomed visitors since 1973, with Shell Point resident volunteers who serve as conductors on each journey “around the state.” Ticket booth Millie welcomes more than 3,000 guests each year, many who write complimentary comments after their free tour (donations are appreciated).
For more information about Gulf Coast Model Railroad, or to view video highlights of the model train display, visit www.shellpoint.org/trainroom. To arrange a special tour for more than 10 people, please contact Melody Desilets at 239-454-2290.
About Shell Point Retirement Community
Shell Point Retirement Community, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located in Fort Myers, Florida. Shell Point offers independent retirement living, assisted living, and skilled nursing for its 2,400 residents in an active, resort-style environment. Lifestyle amenities include deep-water boating access with free boat dockage, a championship 18-hole golf course, and other recreational facilities. To learn more, visit www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.
