A Living Railroad for the 21st Century
Today, the Pacific Southern Railway stands as one of the nation's finest model railroads. Our 5,000 square foot HO scale layout features over 3,500 feet of hand-laid track, realistic operations with full dispatching and signaling, and a vibrant community of members who share a deep love of trains and craftsmanship.
As a nonprofit, we remain committed to our original mission: preserving railroad history, inspiring new generations, and supporting the local community. With the launch of new Virtual Memberships, expanded outreach programs, and modern technology that connects enthusiasts around the world, Pacific Southern is entering its next great era.
Origins: One Man's Dream (1946–1964)
Our story begins in 1946, when Charlie and Helena (Pate) Hanan purchased a 106-acre farm in Rocky Hill, New Jersey. In 1952, Bob and Anne Latham, longtime family friends, acquired an adjoining two-acre parcel. Bob, an avid model railroader, designed his new home with one goal in mind: a basement built for trains.
By 1953, Bob's O-scale model railroad took shape. In 1962, he tore it down to begin something even grander: a fully operational HO scale layout. In December 1964, Bob and a small group of local modelers hosted their first Christmas open house for the community. That success gave birth to what we now know as the Pacific Southern Railway.
Building a Legacy (1964–1988)
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the Pacific Southern Railway grew in reputation and complexity. The layout evolved to include operating signals, multi-level scenery, and an expanding roster of trains. The club's Christmas shows became a beloved annual tradition, drawing thousands of visitors.
Innovations included the use of color-coded lighting to simulate day and night, a live announcer to guide visitors, and "valence numbers" to help manage crowds. Bob and the early club members approached the layout like a theatrical production, creating a unique and immersive experience.
By 1980, over 4,000 guests visited the club over two weekends. Sadly, in 1988, Bob Latham passed away. But his family and the club ensured that the Pacific Southern would live on, allowing the annual shows to continue.
Expansion and Modernization (1988–2002)
Geoff Green, one of the club's founding members, purchased the home and layout after Bob's passing. Under his leadership, a major expansion took place — a new 30' x 45' addition to the basement nearly doubled the railroad's size.
The 1990s brought new technology as well. The club transitioned from traditional DC control to Digital Command Control (DCC), allowing more realistic train operations. Scenery, lighting, and trackwork were upgraded throughout the layout.
By the early 2000s, the Pacific Southern Railway had become one of the most sophisticated and admired model railroads in the country. Over the course of the club's first 43 years, more than $175,000 was raised and donated to local community services.
A Period of Renewal (2003–2016)
Following the final Christmas shows in 2002, the club entered a period of renovation and quiet operations. Major projects included remodeling the original basement to match the new addition, improving trackwork, enhancing safety systems, and investing in upgraded scenery.
During this time, internal club activities continued, with members focusing on refining operations, upgrading control systems, and planning for the future. Though no public shows were held, the spirit of the Pacific Southern remained strong.
A New Generation of Stewardship (2016–2024)
In 2016, Carl and Anne Pate, family members with deep ties to the club, purchased the home and layout. They immediately set plans to revive the Pacific Southern's community presence.
By 2017, the Annual Holiday Open House was reinstated. Attendance limits and modern safety standards were implemented, but the heart of the event remained the same: sharing the wonder of model railroading with the public and supporting local emergency services.
Technological advances followed. When the pandemic of 2020 made large gatherings impossible, the Pacific Southern quickly adapted. Hybrid operations, allowing both onsite and remote control of trains, were introduced. Video monitoring systems improved the dispatcher’s ability to manage operations, and upgrades to the layout continued, including new modules and enhanced scenery.
Throughout this period, the Pacific Southern invested in the future, ensuring that the layout remained not just a preserved piece of history, but a living, breathing railroad.
A Bold New Era: James Murray and Virtual Memberships (2025 and Beyond)
In 2025, James "Murr" Murray purchased the home — preserving the layout, the club, and its legacy. His goal: to honor the rich history of the Pacific Southern while expanding its reach to a global community.
The launch of Virtual Memberships opened the Pacific Southern to model railroad fans across the world. Through exclusive videos, behind-the-scenes updates, and member-only perks, supporters everywhere can now be a part of this legendary railroad.
Meanwhile, the club continues to welcome new Active and Junior Members onsite, teaching skills ranging from scenery building to train operations. The Pacific Southern Railway remains a gathering place for creativity, craftsmanship, friendship, and a shared passion for railroading.
As we move forward, our mission is clear: honor the past, celebrate the present, and build the future — one train at a time.
A History of the Pacific Southern Railway by Carl Pate
For an extensive history of the PSR, download the PDF below.
Download PDF
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