DeQuincy.MODEL ENGINES COLLECTION AT DEQUINCY RAILROAD MUSEUM
In addition to the permanent display at the museum, there are also items displayed at the DeQuincy City Hall, the DeQuincy branch of the Calcasieu Parish Library, and two local banks, City Savings Bank and Chase Bank. The items displayed at the banks will alternate and will rotate in the future to Cameron State Bank and Capital One Bank, also in DeQuincy.
The engines on display are exceptional in their detail and craftsmanship. Manufactured by Samhongsa Co Ltd, Row & Co, Adler, and Markin, they are made of high quality brass and contain the standard electric motors associated with toys, but are scale museum-quality models of actual steam and diesel engines. The scale is referred to as Gauge 1, which is similar to G scale, and runs on G scale track, but each is constructed to the exact specifications of their prototypes. Most of these were produced in the 1970’s and 1980’s and very few Gauge 1’s are produced today because of the level of workmanship and the associated costs of their production making these exceptional examples of the art of model making. Each of these engines have special wood and brass cases finished like fine furniture and dense foam interiors to protect the models. These models represent some of the largest and most popular trains of the twentieth century. (Blaine Miller)
Beginning with a design concept by former DeQuincy resident Frank F. Douglas of the Douglas Group in Houston, the planning and execution of the display has evolved over several months. Blaine Miller, Assistant Director of the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, has directed and overseen the technical aspects of the project with the assistance of Gary W. Cooper and Harry Methvin. The display is presented with state-of-the-art museum quality signage and lighting in a large antique wall cabinet donated to the museum several years ago by Candace W. Cooper in memory of her late father, Jake Willrich. Funding for the project has been provided by the City of DeQuincy.
The collection may be viewed during regular museum hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 9AM to 5PM. Call 337-786-2823 for more information or to confirm hours.
Gary W. Cooper, President
3.24.08
The DeQuincy Railroad Museum is a non-profit corporation established in 1974 whose mission is to acquire, preserve, and display railroad artifacts of a bygone era and to heighten public awareness of the role of the railroad industry in our area as well the region, state, and country. Housed in the 1923 Kansas City Southern Depot which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum has on display a large and varied collection of railroad memorabilia, including a restored 1913 steam locomotive, a 1947 passenger coach and two vintage cabooses. Also 
