The HO scale diorama of the Bedford rail yard that was under construction for the past year has become a reality. Our Chicago-area builder, Progressive Model Design, arrived with it on Friday, July 18, and installed it in the Freight House. As shown by the photos below, PMD produces museum-quality workmanship. Indeed, a few years ago they were chosen by the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry to rebuild its extensive model railroad exhibit. That puts the Bedford Freight House in good company!
The objective of the diorama is to honor Bedford’s “railroad century” (1873-1977) by accurately representing its Boston & Maine facilities as they were when still vital. Bedford was a terminal for passenger trains to or from Boston and a junction point. The early 1950s is a relatively well documented period and 1954-55, the years we chose, were the last in which Bedford’s terminal facilities remained intact.
To create a diorama of manageable size, it was necessary to omit everything beyond the red lines on the track map. All buildings are based on historic measurements and photos. The diorama was designed by William Deen of Bedford on behalf of the Friends of Bedford Depot Park, with the assistance of Steven Worack of PMD. Period-appropriate locomotive and car models were donated by Tom E. Thompson of Milton, West Virginia, and William Deen. This project was made possible by a gift to FBDP from Robert and Barbara Shea of Red Lodge, Montana.
