About the Owner

As a lifelong model railroader and third-generation railroad enthusiast, my passion for trains began at the tender age of three, when I first played with Lionel postwar trains. By twelve, I was custom constructing and painting railroad models with airbrushes, and by fourteen, I had already clinched two junior modeling contests at National Model Railroad Association events. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless individuals design and build their own model railroad empires.

My journey took a significant turn in 1984 when I completed my first commissioned model railroad in N scale. During my time in the Air Force from 1987 to 1991, I provided custom model building and painting services for the Union Pacific Railroad Museum’s “O” scale model railroad, now proudly displayed at the Durham Museum in Omaha, Nebraska. I also crafted models for Union Pacific executives, adding a touch of railroad charm to their offices.

My experiences as a model builder have opened doors across multiple states, with one of my early projects even featured in Railroad Model Craftsman Magazine in October 2011. Currently, I maintain a 20'x20' HO scale home layout that beautifully represents the Burlington (CB&Q) Railroad in Illinois during 1965.

Outside the realm of railroads, I have a passion for theatre pipe organs and maintain the 3/12 Wurlitzer organ at the Cedar Rapids Paramount Theatre. As a proud father of four adult children, they often find humor in my enthusiasm for trains and my culinary skills!

I look forward to meeting you and sharing our mutual love for model railroading!

-Darren Ferreter, Model Railroad Dreams, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Organizations & Memberships

  • Indian Creek Model Railroad Club (HO scale) Cedar Rapids – 3 years – Officer and builder
  • Union Pacific Railroad Museum (O scale) – 2 years – Custom model building
  • Camp Creek Railroaders (1½ scale) – 3 years – Officer
  • Greater Omaha Society of Model Railway Engineers (HO Scale) – 3 years
  • Pottawatomie County Historical Society – 3 years – Liaison member
  • Ushers Ferry – 13 years – Ushers Ferry Trains Day Committee
  • Cedar Valley Garden Railway Society (G scale) – 4 years – Newsletter editor / Treasurer 
  • Cedar Rapids Area Railfan Association (Prototype 1:1 scale) – Since 1973 – President and other elected positions held. 
  • Cedar Rapids Round Robin Club (HO and N scale) – Since 1984 –  Officer
  • Cedar Rapids History Center –  since 2000 – Railroad Display Committee / Railroad Historian
  • Cedar Valley Railfans (Prototype 1:1 scale) – since 1995 – Member
  • Marion Heritage Center (HO scale historic display)
  • Iowa Children’s Museum (HO scale permanent exhibit)
  • Durham Museum, Omaha Nebraska - Since 2016
  • Eastern Iowa Division of the National Model Railroad Association - Since 2005