About Us
The Western Montana Railroad Historical Association (WMRHA) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization located in Helena Montana. The WMRHA was founded in 2016, and since 2019
has leased space in downtown Helena in the Steamboat Block building. Within its leased space
(approximately 2,700 square feet), WMRHA members are building an HO-scale model train layout (the
Last Chance Layout), a display area for railroad artifacts and memorabilia – including antique model
railroad equipment, a collections storage area, a workshop, and educational displays of railroad history
related to western Montana. The facilities are currently open to the public on Saturdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
WMRHA members also have work nights on Monday and Wednesday Evening from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, where we work on museum or layout projects.
The WMRHA facilities are located at 619 N Last Chance Gulch in downtown Helena. Our motto is
“Preserving & Modeling Western Montana’s Railroad Heritage”. To do this, and to educate youth in the
history of the area, the WMRHA is focusing on the four transcontinental railroads that originally
operated in western Montana, including the: Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad
(Milwaukee Road), Great Northern Railway, Northern Pacific Railway, and Union Pacific Railroad. The
timeframe that the Association is focusing on is the 1950’s and 1960’s, although the modern era and
railroads (Montana Rail Link, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, and the Union Pacific) will also be
represented with displays and during special events.
The Last Chance Layout will have a significant role in the activities of the Association, as well as a key
visual (“living history”) role in educating people on the vital contribution of the railroads in establishing
the towns and industries that do and have exist(ed) in western Montana. The skill requirements of the
WMRHA’s mission are bringing together people from many diverse backgrounds, including railroaders,
craftsmen, artists, modelers, and historians to name a few.
If you are interested in potentially becoming a member of the WMRHA and contributing your time and
talents to this great cause, or would simply like to visit our facilities – please contact us through our
contact page!