What ages can participate?

Participants must be at least 10 years old; chaperones are required for ages 10–14 and must purchase general admission.

Is museum admission included?

Yes—All-day admission to TrainTastic is included with the workshop ticket.

Can I keep my project?

Yes—materials are provided and you take your completed model home; you may leave an in-progress project in the workroom and collect it later the same day.

Are tools and safety gear provided?

Yes—basic tools, materials, and safety gear are supplied by the museum; bring personal preferred tools if you like.

Is the workshop refundable?

The booking is non-refundable but transferable to a different class in the series according to the cancellation summary.

Popcorn and a drink are provided; pizza can be ordered for pickup around noon and there are picnic tables and party rooms on site.

Hands-On Model Railroading in Gulfport: TrainTastic's FUN-damentals Workshop

On the edge of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, TrainTastic in Gulfport offers a workshop that turns curiosity into craft. The FUN-damentals of Model Railroading Workshop runs daily from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM and is aimed at participants aged ten and older. Led by experienced volunteers from the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Club, the class gives students hands-on time with real tools, actual track, and working layouts inside a busy museum workroom. In each session you will lay track, learn basic wiring, practice weathering techniques, and assemble a kit to take home. Instructors demonstrate soldering basics, rail alignment, scenery techniques, and control panel operation, so beginners leave with practical skills and confidence. TrainTastic includes all-day museum admission with the class, so after the lesson families can explore operating dioramas, turntables, miniature structures, and exhibits that nod to Gulfport’s rail history and coastal landscape. The workshop space is equipped with materials, paints, glues, and safety gear, and snacks (popcorn and a drink) are provided. Pizza is available to order for pickup around noon, and picnic tables plus party rooms are on site for group use. Important notes: participants must be at least ten years old; chaperones are required for ages ten through fourteen, and one chaperone may join the child for the activity. A waiver must be completed before participation, and the museum warns that tools can be sharp, hot, or fume-producing, so wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy. What makes this program special is the combination of hands-on instruction with direct access to operating layouts maintained by local hobbyists. The Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Club’s involvement offers visitors a chance to learn community-driven techniques, observe scale craftsmanship, and ask experienced builders for advice. For Gulfport visitors, the workshop is a compact, hands-on cultural stop that connects a regional transportation past with a tactile creative experience. Practical tips: arrive early to tour exhibits, bring any small personal tools you prefer, and plan to spend extra time in the museum after class to see detailed layouts in operation. TrainTastic sits at latitude 30.388266 and longitude -89.061809 in Gulfport, Mississippi, United States, and the workshop makes an enjoyable addition to a family-friendly Gulf Coast itinerary. Expect to meet other visitors who bring varied interests, from parents introducing kids to hobbyists refining techniques. The museum’s all-day admission encourages lingering: return during the day to continue working on your model, photograph layouts, or watch operating sessions. Because materials and instruction are included, this workshop offers a low-barrier way to test the hobby without committing to a full toolset. Whether you’re planning a rainy-day activity or seeking a compact cultural stop, TrainTastic’s FUN-damentals class leaves you with practical skills and a finished model to treasure.

About TrainTastic! Railroad Museum

TrainTastic! Railroad Museum in Gulfport, Mississippi, is home to the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum’s TrainTastic™, a hands-on model railroad attraction focused on family learning, play, and S.T.E.A.M. education. The museum features interactive exhibits across multiple gauges, a nostalgic mini model town, an outdoor train car ride, and a unique indoor climber at PlayVille Station. TrainTastic! hosts monthly programs such as Homeschool STEM Day and Tykes & Trains, tailored for early learners and homeschool students, plus recurring events like Brick Builder's Club and special seasonal programs including Brick or Treat and Tricks, Treats, & Trains.

Visitors can choose general admission for self-guided exploration or book group trips, weekend and weekday birthday parties, and after-hours party packages. The facility also offers Sip & Paint events and a Choo-Choo Card option that converts a booking confirmation into a physical gift card at the Ticket Booth. Designed to engage children and families, TrainTastic! blends creative play with educational S.T.E.A.M. activities that encourage curiosity and hands-on learning. The museum’s party rooms—the Engine Room, Builder Room, and Create Room—accommodate celebratory gatherings for up to thirty guests. TrainTastic! emphasizes accessible, family-friendly experiences and provides structured educational days for early childhood development. Located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Gulfport, the museum serves local families, homeschool groups, and visitors seeking interactive model railroad exhibits, creative workshops, and memorable birthday celebrations. TrainTastic! provides ticketed general admission, customizable party packages, and recurring educational sessions that support hands-on S.T.E.A.M. learning for children and families. Offerings are suitable for all ages.