A purpose‑built property with one of the world’s largest permanent model railways has come up for sale.
Occupying a 24-metre long, 9-metre wide shed on a 1603sqm block at 6 Goulburn Street, Tarago, the permanent 1:160 scale railway known as the Union Pacific Model Railroad has taken two decades to build.
Owner Stuart Hall told realestate.com.au his original vision was to operate the railway as a hands-on experience for model train enthusiasts.
An enormous model railway in a purpose-built shed has hit the market. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
“I came up with the idea of building a very large model railway, not necessarily as an exhibition, but as an operating railway where people would come in and pay a fee and operate my trains on my railroad,” Mr Hall said.
“It’s not a toy, it’s a serious model railroad. You could have 20 to 25 people running it at once.”
The sprawling setup has been built as a hands-on experience for train enthusiasts. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
The layout has been designed with wide curves that allow trains to run at higher speeds while avoiding a tight, tangled feel.
“I wanted to get the maximum amount of railroad in there without having a spaghetti look,” he said.
The track has been set up to mirror real-world rail operations. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Sprinkled through the layout are rare custom‑built and hand‑painted brass structures, set among mountains that rise up to eight feet high.
“The scenery to me was going to play the main part because it makes everything look so real,” Mr Hall said. “There are thousands of hand made trees.”
Hand-painted model buildings and vehicles are sprinkled throughout the railway. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
More than 1000 pieces of high‑quality rolling stock are included in the sale, including several hundred locomotives, most of which are brand new.
Notable trains running on the railroad include the California Zephyr, the Super Chief, the Empire Builder and the Hiawatha.
Mr Hall said his decision to sell was about time rather than the project itself.
The electric DCC railway can be operated by 20 to 25 people simultaneously, owner Stuart Hall said. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
“I’m 83 in August and although I’m very fit, I’ve got other things I want to do in my life, so I thought I’ll sell it,” he said.
“I can always keep my eye on it anyway and give advice if necessary.”
The property, which has been listed for $1.22 million, also includes self‑contained accommodation with a wall‑concealed queen bed, fully tiled bathroom with gas hot water, and a kitchenette.
The shed was purpose-built to house the railway more than 20 years ago. Picture: Supplied
Council approval is already in place for an attached dwelling, reflecting Mr Hall’s intention to build a manager’s cottage on the site.
“In my original plan I was going to build a small house there,” he said. “Those plans have all been approved by council and all the infrastructure is in.”
The shed is situated in Tarago, a small town in the NSW southern tablelands. Picture: Supplied
Located between Sydney, Canberra and the South Coast, the property is positioned to attract day visitors, said selling agent Judy Alcock of Southern Tablelands Realty.
“If someone wanted to run it as a business, Tarago is a really great little area,” she said. “It’s only 50 minutes from Queanbeyan and quite central for people going from Canberra down to the south coast.”
Mr Hall believes the right entrepreneurial buyer will recognise the value on offer.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for someone to buy something like this,” Mr Hall said. “There’s nothing else like it.”
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