FORT MYERS, Fla. ( September 23, 2016)
Shell Point Retirement Community’s Gulf Coast Model Railroad attraction opens for the season on Monday, Oct. 3. Free tours offer a unique look at notable sites throughout Florida, available to all on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. through April 2017. The train exhibit is located in The Island neighborhood (15000 Shell Point Boulevard, Fort Myers) at Shell Point, Florida’s largest single-site continuing care retirement community.
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 features.
All renovations and upgrades are conducted during the summer by Shell Point resident volunteers who enjoy model railroads as a hobby and want to share their interest with others. One 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. The Gulf Coast Model Railroad has welcomed visitors since 1973, with Shell Point resident volunteers who serve as conductors on each complimentary tour “around the state.” Ticket booth Millie welcomes more than 3,000 guests each year (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 Beth Crenshaw at 239-454-2290.
About Shell Point Retirement Community
Shell Point Retirement Community, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers, Florida. Shell Point offers independent retirement living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care for its 2,400 residents in an active, resort-style environment. Lifestyle amenities include deep-water boating access with free dockage, a championship 18-hole golf course, and other recreational and educational activities. To learn more, visit www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.
