Saturday I took the wife and kid down to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Their website really doesn’t have many pictures so I thought that I would share some with you guys. I’d keep one thing in mind: my camera isn’t the best.
Here is the San Diego Club’s HO Layout:
Here is the N scale layout. There is glass all around so the pictures came out bad.
Last is my favorite–La Mesa Club’s HO layout.
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GREAT pics. Can you believe I spent a week there a couple years ago and never made the visit. I was still on hiatus from HO, but it was only 6 weeks later that I decided to return. Maybe I can still get back there. Thanks for the great pics
The best darn model RR exhibit in the whole darn world and I say that after just retuning from the Chicago Science and Industry exhibition. Of course I say that having been given a life time membership in the San Diego MR Museum by my kids.
Peter Smith, Memphis
Wow, I didn’t know that you could get a lifetime membership for there. When I lived down near San Diego, I wanted to join the La Mesa club but never did. Now I would really love to join to help them build the loop but I live to stinkin’ far.
I used to live there when I 4. I was into trains but not to the extent of what i’m into it today.
All of the layouts show some fantastic modeling, as well as a real appreciation for the prototype.
One thing not in your photos (probably because it’s almost impossible to shoot) is that humongous model of the former SD&AE trestle. It’s a good bit longer than a lot of folks’ entire main line run!
If you’re ever anywhere near Balboa Park, be sure to visit. Bring your towel.
Chuck
Chuck, I wanted to get a picture of the trustle but with a train on it. while I was waiting for one my son took off for the other layout, I took chase and never came back.
Is the towel to catch your drool?
I had a chance to visit back in March and it was definitely well worth it. The Tehachapi layout is probably my favorite, too.
All them pictures and you got none with a steamer in it!? [;)]
I have been fortunate enough to visit San Diego 3 times in the last 7 years and each time I make a point to see this great exhibit. They made it fun for all ages, as there is something of interest across a broad range. I might also suggest the classic car museum that is also in the area.[8D]
Re - bring your towel.
Partially for drool, but also useful for wiping away the tears of frustration from not being able to do anything near that good.
Chuck (who knows his own limits)
Actually not true. Take a look at the Santa Fe heading over the bridge on the N scale layout. That was the only one running.
Great Pix!!! Better yet when taken with kid in arm.[^]
I love the turntable.
Great pictures. It was a visit to the museum in 1989 that got me into this hobby. I never did get a chance to join one of the clubs (spent more time underwater than ashore).
The layouts at the museum are fantastic. Visited it last summer when I was on temporary duty in SD for a couple of weeks. The previous time was in 1991 when I was stationed in California. All the layouts have come a long way since then!!
One thing that struck me was some of the club members I saw working on one of the railroads. There were several teenagers working on some track and some rolling stock, with a few running the trains on the layout. It was very obvious that these members were just as serious about the work they were doing (after all it is a public display) as the adults. I also noticed that they were being treated as equals by the adult members that were present. Could this be one of the reasons that these clubs have been around for so long?
Here’s a few of mine from last year. Lighting is low in the buidling - It comes from aloft lighting, picture taking is hard in there.
Got the SD@AE Layout, of course Tehachapi (Love the shot of Bealville grade crossing!
Cool.
More pics when you can please, thanks.
Stephen