In an age where technology governs so much of our daily interactions, it’s incredibly refreshing to step back in time and experience a hobby built on craftsmanship, camaraderie, and nostalgia.
Recently, we had the pleasure of teaming up with Wakefield realtor Andrew McCaul for a very special community project. Andrew came to us with a mission: he wanted to shine a spotlight on a hidden local treasure that most people didn’t even know existed—the North Shore Model Railroad Club (NSMRC).
The Hidden Gem of Wakefield
Operating since 1979, the NSMRC has been quietly tucked away in the basement of an iconic restaurant in downtown Wakefield, MA. The club is a labor of love, filled with intricate, sprawling model train layouts that take visitors right back to their childhoods and simpler times.
Despite the incredible work the club members put into their displays, they were flying under the radar. Furthermore, the club was facing a massive expense to replace their aging heating units. Andrew wanted to start a GoFundMe to help them out, but to get people to care, he first needed them to see just how magical this place was.
That’s where we came in.
The Execution: Bringing the Miniature World to Life
To truly capture the scale, detail, and therapeutic magic of the NSMRC, standard ground-level videography wasn’t going to cut it. We needed an approach that made viewers feel like they were standing—or flying—right inside this miniature universe.
We brought in our micro drones to fly directly over and through the club’s basement headquarters. We then edited these dynamic clips together into a smooth, highly engaging video tour. The footage glides just above tight-knit miniature towns, swoops alongside trains chugging down intricate tracks, and showcases scenic setups from both a bird’s-eye and an engineer’s perspective.
Watching the trains run from these unique aerial angles isn’t just visually stunning—it’s therapeutic. The final edit brought their detailed miniature world to life in a way traditional video never could.
The Results: Going Viral for a Good Cause
We knew the video was special, but the community’s response completely blew us away!
Once the video hit social media, the engagement took off across platforms:
- Facebook: The video exploded with over 68,000 views, catching the attention of Boston’s Wicked North Shore, who reposted it to their audience! (Watch the Facebook video here)
- Instagram: The reel quickly hit 4,400+ views and sparked massive community engagement—gathering 155 likes, 70 shares, 16 saves, 5 reposts, and enthusiastic comments! (Watch the Instagram Reel here)
- TikTok: The tour continued to build momentum, pulling in over 1,000 views from viewers loving the behind-the-scenes aerial view. (Watch the TikTok video here)
But the best part wasn’t the view count—it was the real-world impact.
Thanks to the incredible awareness the drone tour generated, Andrew’s GoFundMe was a massive success. He recently presented the club with a check for $1,600 to help replace their heating units. The club members were overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the community.
Even better? The viral video has translated directly into foot traffic. The club’s Thursday open house nights are now seeing tons of new visitors who discovered the club online and wanted to experience the magic in person.
The Power of Video
This project is a perfect example of why we do what we do. Creative, engaging video doesn’t just look cool—it tells a story, connects communities, and drives real-world results.
A massive thank you to Andrew McCaul for bringing us onto this heartwarming project, to everyone who donated, and to the NSMRC for keeping this timeless hobby chugging along!
Want to see the club for yourself? The North Shore Model Railroad Club welcomes visitors on Thursday evenings in downtown Wakefield. Be sure to stop by and say hello!
