By Railroad Model Craftsman Staff

Walthers awarded $2,500 each to two model railroaders as part of its first-ever scholarship to recognize how the hobby can educate people about STEAM, also known as science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Both winners have had success taking what they learned on their model railroads and applying it to college classes. 

John Gerdes has been model railroading since he was seven and is studying finance at MiroCosta College in California. Gerdes is a member of the La Mesa Model Railroad Club where he organized modern-era operating sessions for younger members.

Aiden Mollohan is from Pennsylvania where he’s the webmaster for the Elizabethtown Train Guys club. He is currently enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania studying mechanical engineering. 

Walthers said it will again be giving out the scholarship in 2022 and encourages people to keep an eye on its social media channels for more information on when to apply.