The dream of the Great American Railway at Northlandz began over 26 years ago as Williams’ first home was being built in 1972. As builders would leave for the day Mr. Williams would escape to the basement and begin erecting scenes for his new basement passion. Mountain passes were erected complete with bridges and buildings. Workers returning the next day, removed the new addition so they could continue their work.

Bruce kept building the nightly exhibits. This was the beginning of a 26-year labor of love that has resulted in the world’s largest model railroad. As a developer, creator, and artist behind Northlandz, Bruce Williams Zaccagnino has added several new skills to a long list of accomplishments. A concert musician, successful entrepreneur, multi-award-winning and publisher (Perfect General, Solitaire’s Journey), Mr. Williams has spent a lifetime working at what he loves.

Northlandz is a 16-acre world-class attraction developed by Mr. Williams and his wife Jean. Included in this complex is a doll museum, La Peep Doll House, a 2000+ theater pipes organ, Which Bruce Williams plays) and art galleries throughout. The building is reflective of the couple’s lifelong commitment to art, expression, and creativity.

In 1977, after Mr. Williams inspired a fourth addition to his Flemington area home, he was persuaded by friends to host an annual train show for a local charity. The weekend show was soon attracting 1,500 visitors daily. Several national television broadcasts as well as international TV coverage by German, Swedish, and Japanese stations contributed to the growing popularity. Thus, born the idea for a year-round attraction. Along with the art, music, and doll displays future additions including an outdoor 1/3 scale train are already planned by the couple who admittedly cannot imagine doing anything else.

Mr. Williams was bestowed with the highest honor that is given by the Hindu faith, the "Maan Patra". This honorarium was presented to Mr. Williams in recognition of his 25 years of dedication to the creation of Northlandz. It was awarded to Mr. Williams by Swami Jagadishswarandandji at the Geeta Temple of Queens, NY in June 1996 with thousands of worshipers of the Hindu faith in attendance.

"This is what we do," says Mr. Williams, who along with his wife’s steadfast support works 365 days a year in pursuit of this accomplishment "If you can create your enthusiasm, you can do anything", he said, "If you maintain that enthusiasm, you can do it well".

If Ralph Waldo Emerson is correct in that "Nothing great can be achieved without enthusiasm", then something spectacular has happened in Flemington.

‘The Vision & Passion of Bruce William Zaccagnino’

It’s a story of passion becoming a profession! 

It all started in his tiny little basement. Little did he know that the model train layout & miniature world he built as a PASSION & HOBBY would turn into something this great! Eventually, Northlandz gained all attention & admiration it deserved and moved to its current home in 1996! With his wife Jean, Bruce was able to turn Northlandz into the incredible miniature wonderland & model railroad track and exhibit we enjoy today!

In 2019, Northlandz switched its ownership when Bruce opted to retire & and pass the reins. The new owning company WBM got its hands on the area as it was in search of an expanded warehouse. Captivated by the extravagant on-man-made wonderland, he instead decided to preserve it for the true art admirers & model train enthusiasts.  

Today, Northlandz is continuing Bruce’s legacy and making the best even better by adding new & exciting additions! The core value remains the same – to bring an interactive, educational, and fun experience to you by offering a unique blend of history, art & entertainment altogether. This remains at the heart of all we do!