local
Alaska grandfather’s miniature railroad continues running 50 years later
By Dave Allgood at KGNS — Sitewide
· July 9, 2026
· 1 min read
WASILLA, Alaska (Aging Untold) — A miniature railroad a grandfather built more than five decades ago continues to draw families to the woods outside Anchorage. Three and a half miles of track wind through tunnels, over bridges and past scale-model towns on 18 acres. Jack Klingbeil and his wife fo...
Key takeaway Jack Klingbeil and his wife founded the attraction, which operates as a 1/8th-scale railroad in Wasilla.
Why this matters in Laredo News
In Laredo , community-driven projects like the miniature railroad in Alaska can serve as a model for local initiatives that bring families together. The fact that a grandfather's labor of love has endured for over 50 years, remaining a family operation across generations, is a testament to the power of grassroots endeavors. Similarly, Laredo's own community events and small businesses rely on the dedication of local families and individuals to thrive. As Laredo continues to grow and develop, it's worth considering how initiatives like the miniature railroad can be replicated or supported locally, fostering a sense of community and providing unique experiences for residents and visitors alike. By embracing and promoting local projects, Laredo can build on its own strengths and create lasting attractions that benefit the community for years to come.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? WASILLA, Alaska (Aging Untold) — A miniature railroad a grandfather built more than five decades ago continues to draw families to the woods outside Anchorage. Three and a half miles of track wind through tunnels, over bridges and past scale-model towns on 18 acres. Jack Klingbeil and his wife fo...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dave Allgood at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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