Our History

The Beatrice Area Railroad Enthusiasts first met at the home of Bill Bragg on September 13, 1999. The eight original members were Bill Bragg, Dave Doering, Walt Haecker, John king, Ron Miller, Jim Nutsch, Rich Rischling, and Les Ward. (Pictured above, missing Jim Nutsch and Les Ward)

The name Beatrice Area Railroad Enthusiasts became a reality in August of 2001. Jim Nutsch came up with the idea and it was approved by the members at that time. Jim thought that this name was appropriate because not all the members had model trains. We have collectors, photographers, artists and people who just loved trains. Jim then suggested that the club have a logo and he suggested that we have a bear (BARE) holding a locomotive in one hand and then a caboose in the other. Ron Miller's son, Heath, drew the logo and it was presented and approved at the October, 2001 meeting.

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The club became organized at the November 19th, 2002 meeting at the home of Jim Herrington.  Bill Bragg was elected president and Ron Miller was elected secretary- Treasurer. The Club began collecting dues at our January 21, 2003 meeting. It was at our November 19, 2002 meeting that our president, Bill Bragg, announced that every one should take turn hosting a meeting. A sign up sheet was available at our January 21, 2003 meeting for members to sign stating that they would host a meeting some time 2003. this plan has worked for 2 years, we continue taking turns hosting the meetings and providing snacks it just in one location now, we out grew everyone's house. We now meet at the clubhouse in Beatrice Nebraska on every third Sunday except for December. Members receive a bi monthly publication of the club news letter known as "The Lantern".

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In order to raise funds for the museum/ clubhouse the club started the Annual Beatrice Trainshow. The show is held in October usually on the 2nd or 3rd weekend. The show has been a favorite for vendors and show goers alike, so popular in fact the venders are signing up more than a year ahead of time.

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In May of 2011 began renting the old Root Cellar building located at 8th & Court Streets in downtown Beatrice. The Building was original intended to house our modular HO Scale layout, but has grown to accommodate an N Scale Layout and our monthly meetings.  In February of 2020 the club moved to its current location at 119 South 5th Street, where we have 20 x 14 HO layout, a 8 x 12 N scale layout and a soon to be developed 22 x 24 foot addition.