Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. announced on November 11 that it was sponsoring the Pacific Southern Railway, a 65-year-old model railroad club that was recently saved by comedian James “Murr” Murray.
When the Pacific Southern faced uncertainty about its future, Walthers partnered with the club to explore solutions and raise awareness. Through the reporting of The Wall Street Journal’s Betsy McKay — and conversations with Walthers CEO and President Stacey Walthers Naffah — the story of preservation, passion, community, and innovation within the hobby reached a wide audience. In May 2025, the follow-up article announced a remarkable outcome: comedian James “Murr” Murray from the long-running TV show Impractical Jokers and his wife, Melyssa, had purchased the club’s home to preserve and promote both the club and the hobby.
“We’re pleased to support the Pacific Southern Railway and help elevate awareness of model railroading,” said Stacey Walthers Naffah. “Clubs are vital to connecting hobbyists of all ages and experience levels. We deeply appreciate James and Melyssa Murray’s commitment to keeping the hobby thriving at the Pacific Southern and beyond. We aspire to elevate the hobby and the collective efforts of clubs across the country through our work with Murr and Club leadership.”
Upon receiving an award from the National Model Railroad Association at Trainfest in Milwaukee earlier this month, Murray shared his enthusiasm for the club and the hobby.
“I’ve loved model trains my entire life — my best childhood memories are of building layouts with my father. That’s the power of this hobby – it brings generations of families together. We’re proud to announce something unique and different. We will be partnering with Walthers Trains. They have been so supportive of us, clubs, and the hobby in general. And we are so proud to partner with them to grow model railroading together.”
Since joining the family business in 2009, Stacey Walthers Naffah has led initiatives to broaden exposure to the hobby through education, media, and community partnerships. Walthers continues to champion efforts such as its Youth Scholarship Program, the National Model Railroad Build-Off Competition, and outreach to senior living communities, schools, and science centers. Walthers Naffah contributes her leadership to organizations including the World’s Greatest Hobby, Hobby Industry Coalition, and the Hobby Manufacturers Association.
To learn more about the Pacific Southern Railway or Walthers and the company’s efforts to support and grow the hobby, visit www.walthers.com or www.pacificsouthern.org.
—via Press Release
