Walthers Sponsors Pacific Southern Ry., Boosts Local HO Scale Club

On December 26, 2025 Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. announced a sponsorship agreement with the Pacific Southern Ry., an HO scale model railroad club based in Rocky Hill, New Jersey. The arrangement links one of the hobby's largest suppliers with a grassroots club layout, and it is intended to boost the club's visibility, help underwrite projects, and make it easier for modelers to connect with organized group operations.

Stacey Walthers Naffah, president of Walthers, and Pacific Southern founders James and Melyssa Murray provided statements explaining the mutual benefits of the partnership and the club's goals for outreach and development. The sponsorship includes promotional support and will give the Pacific Southern a formal point of contact for modelers seeking club involvement or collaborative projects.

For modelers who want to see what the Pacific Southern Ry. is building, a layout video and full track plan are available online. Visit trains.com/mrr/news-reviews/news/walthers-sponsors-pacific-southern-ry/ to view the layout and to find the club's contact information and further details. Use that material to assess scale, scenery approaches, operational design, and recruitment strategies you might adapt for your own layout or local club.

Practical value for the community is immediate. The sponsorship raises awareness of how small clubs operate and provides an example of how manufacturer support can translate into tangible club resources and publicity. Clubs looking to attract new members or secure local partnerships can model outreach messages and media assets on the Pacific Southern example. Solo modelers thinking about joining a group now have a clear place to start, with video and track plan resources to preview the layout before visiting.

This partnership also signals a wider trend in the hobby, where manufacturers are placing increased emphasis on supporting community organizations. That support can accelerate project timelines, expand public exposure for club shows and open houses, and create clearer pathways for new members to get involved. Visit the provided link to learn more, watch the layout video, and connect directly with the Pacific Southern Ry.