The Museum of Military Models in Clyde, Texas, is opening an all-new 3,200-square-foot expansion to house its ever-growing collection of scale models and provide a convention and meeting space for the local community. The new expansion will house the museum’s model ships, while the existing structure will house its vast collection of aircraft, helicopters, and missiles, along with a selection of Army and Marine-based artillery equipment that’s lovingly referred to as “Tanks and Things”.
With all the new space, current and future models will be chronologically organized, in order to provide a clear picture of military advancements throughout the years.
“The timeline is something I like to focus on for the historical portion of it (the models) and the new space gives us the ability to make the timeline flow much easier when giving tours,” says museum owner and curator Warren D. Harkins. “It felt a bit disjointed the way it was before, but this expansion will make it flow much better. There were also certain models that were outside the timeline that can now be displayed separately, as well.”
Alongside an improved timeline, Warren looks forward to having more space to grow his expansive collection. “Once we get everything consolidated,” he says, “this move will give us more room for growth, as well. We’re constantly in acquisition mode and looking for historical pieces. And if we can’t find the ones we’re looking for, we commission to have them built”
Two of the most recent additions to the museum’s new wing are WWII aircraft carriers USS Enterprise (CV-6) and USS Saratoga (CV-3) which, along with the USS Ranger (CV-4), were the only surviving American pre-war aircraft carriers of the war. This rendition of The Enterprise is extremely well known within the military community, as it was the most decorated ship of the WWII era with a total of 20 battle stars. It was also the only WWII Ship to earn both the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) and the Navy Unit Commendation (NUC) during the time period.
“Throughout the history of war, both of those ships sustained the United States throughout the Pacific Campaign and were very dependable. They managed to survive the war, and both were damaged severely a couple of times throughout the war, as well,” Warren explains.
“Some of these ships had very long lives. Like the Enterprise — there have actually been 13 versions. One of the new aircraft carriers of the Gerald Ford Class will be the Enterprise again. The last Enterprise was retired about four years ago. They keep these names going for a lot of the ships, especially the more successful ones.”
As an Air Force Veteran, himself, owner Warren aims to not only educate visitors within the museum but to celebrate and commemorate the lives of those who have fought for our freedoms throughout history. “To me,” he says, “I find it very exciting, the history of everything those veterans went through in those battles. Especially the sacrifices they made and everything they did on our behalf so that we can be where we are today.”
In fact, guided museum tours are offered on a donation-only basis, with proceeds going to support Hunters for Heroes West Texas, a local organization that helps returning veterans overcome mental health challenges through outdoor activity.
The museum has also updated its website to include a fully virtual tour of the existing space that will be updated once the move into the new space is complete. This virtual tour walks visitors through the museum’s 600+ scale models and artifacts and provides a way for military history buffs and veterans, alike, to walk through the museum from anywhere in the world.
If you’ve previously gone through the museum or if you’re planning a visit, make sure to leave a review on the museum’s new Google Reviews page. And even if you’re unable to pay Warren and his models a visit, we encourage you to spend an afternoon perusing through the new virtual tour and make a donation directly from the museum’s website.
About the Museum:
The Museum of Military Models in Clyde, Texas, was founded by native Texan and Air Force veteran Warren Harkins to educate the public and honor those who have served in a fun, hands-on way. The museum is home to 600+ scale models, spanning America’s military history and beyond.
In-person tours are available by appointment only. There’s no admission cost to visit; however, donations are welcomed and encouraged. Proceeds benefit the West Texas branch of Texas Hunters for Heroes, which provides outdoor adventures and a sense of community for local veterans facing challenges in coping with service-related problems.
Visit mommtx.org to learn more.
