local
Alaska grandfather’s miniature railroad continues running 50 years later
By Dave Allgood at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· 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 The Midland
While Midland residents may not have a miniature railroad to call their own, the story of Jack Klingbeil's enduring attraction in Alaska speaks to the value of family-friendly entertainment in our own community. As Midland continues to grow and develop, it's worth considering what kinds of unique, intergenerational experiences could be created here to draw visitors and foster a sense of local pride. The Permian Basin is already rich in natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, but a one-of-a-kind attraction like a miniature railroad could help put Midland on the map for family tourism. Local entrepreneurs and city planners might take note of the Klingbeil family's success in building a loyal following over 50 years, and think creatively about how to develop similar experiences that showcase the best of Midland's character and charm.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland 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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dave Allgood at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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