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RealRail
(941) 739-TRAIN

Street Address
6804 14th Street West
(US Highway 41)
Bradenton, FL 34207

Mailing Address
PO Box 239
Tallevast, FL 34270

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Our Mission
Our mission is to educate the people of Florida about the value and experience of railroading; Past, Present and Future.

Our Vision
The Railroad Education and Learning Center of Florida, Inc. (RealRail) will be the educational and historical hub for teaching and illustrating the impact of railroading.  RealRail will achieve this through a museum center that provides an entertaining, interactive learning experience to the community through exhibits and models. RealRail is committed to excellence, good management, and fiscal responsibility.

Our History
In 1975, a group with an interest in model railroading came together in Sarasota.  A gentleman by the name of Herb Goetschius hung flyers up in local hobby shops looking for people to start a new model railroad club.  In short time, 20 members joined the new organization.  Two of the original members are still active with the organization today.

Through the years our mission changed and became more public oriented.  Educational programs were added to our offerings for both adults and children.  Railroad Expositions became part of our programs and today these events regularly attract more than 1,000 adults to the Manatee Convention Center.

In October 2006 the Internal Revenue Service granted RealRail a 501(c)(3) classification.  In March 2009 we relocated to a more suitable location, RealRail Center Railroad Museum, a place where our community can gather to learn about the value and experience of Florida Railroading.

Our Values
Our values are the heart of our organization.  They define who we are and what we want to bring to the community we serve.
  • Museum Quality Exhibits
  • Preservation of Florida Railroad History
  • Educational resources to the community on the history, cultural and economic impact of railroading in Florida.
  • Educational programs and resources for elementary education professionals in our community.
We look forward to seeing you at the museum

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Living Out East Magazine
Frequently Asked Questions  Privacy Policy
The Railroad Education and Learning Center of Florida is a public charity with a 501(c)(3) non-profit designation with the IRS and licensed by the State of Florida, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - License Number CH25811. Contributions to Railroad Education and Learning Center of Florida, Inc. are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Contact Us:
RealRail Info
PO Box 239
Tallevast, FL 34270