Rails, Red Poppies, and Resonance

by Charlotte Kovalchuk • Constable Matt Lindemann, Mayor Josh Schroeder, Modeler Club President Bob Storbeck

Sun City's Garden Tribute to Georgetown's Legacy

While the Red Poppy Community Garden Railroad project is a few months shy of completion, Robert Bischoff and the Radio Control Modelers Club members and volunteers are already imagining the enjoyment of friends and family gathering at Mulligan’s restaurant in Sun City to take in the view of the Square replicated in a beautiful garden model railroad. "I am overwhelmed by the support of all the volunteers and various Sun City clubs' participation we have received since this project started. The support of Mulligan's restaurant has been amazing,” Robert says.

Their vision for a Square replica immortalizing Georgetown is expected to become a reality by the end of the year. Inspired by a lifelong love of model railroads and a recent garden railroad convention in Colorado, Robert pitched an idea for a local garden railroad to his Radio Control Modelers Club in Sun City. Bob Storbeck, club president at the time, suggested building one at Mulligan’s, considered by many to be the unofficial center of Sun City.

Robert et al were soon overwhelmed by donations from other community members, from photography and visual arts clubs to woodworkers, electricians, and architects. “People just keep coming to help,” Robert says.

With a model train running around a replica of the Square, the Red Poppy Community Garden Railroad will immortalize Georgetown as well as pay tribute to the city’s 175th anniversary and Red Poppy Festival. While not every part of the Square will be replicated, most buildings will be featured, including the historic courthouse. Woodshop members are using 3D printing and laser wood cutting technology to build the courthouse and other structures in detail. While the project is still in the first phase of railroad construction, members are hopeful to have the trains running by the end of the year.

Mayor Josh Schroeder’s favorite part of the project is the preservation of Georgetown’s history. “Georgetown Railroad has always been a huge part of our history and community,” he says. “I think [the Red Poppy Community Garden Railroad] will draw people from all over.”

Precinct 3 Constable Matt Lindemann is looking forward to being one of those visitors. “I’m excited to bring my kids and grandkids to see it when it’s completed. Georgetown was dependent on railroads like so many small towns in Texas, and a lot of them have gone away. This will help preserve history and be a good thing for Georgetown and Sun City as well.”