6 Of The Best Model Train Layouts In The US

Model railroading enthusiasts enjoy only one thing morespace makes this the largest indoor display in the
then showing off their pride and joy: seeing otherworld with two of the largest layouts in HO and N
prototypes and displays that they can then go backscale in the world as well.
home to compete with! Fortunately since showing offThe Twin City Model Railroad Museum in St. Paul
is inherent to all of us getting a chance to see someMinneapolis features model panoramas of the 1930's,
truly spectacular displays is not that hard, and in many40's and 50's and has been operating since 1984.
cases involves only a short journey as there areSouth Florida Railway Museum This museum is
literally hundreds of museums across the country thatdesigned primarily to educate the public about the
displays tens of thousands of locomotives, cars andhistory of railroads in southern Florida but includes
scenes between them.several very nice layouts, including a large N scale and
Most museums do charge a fee for admittance, but ita Hon3 model.
normally is quite small (averaging $6) and proceedsSmokey Mountain Trains Located in Bryson City North
typically go towards the maintenance and upkeep ofCarolina this wonderful site houses many of the
the models and facilities. A few sites are run bylayouts once available from the Harmar Station
private organizations while others are run by a state ormuseum in Marietta, OH and is a great vacation
municipality but they all have one thing in common:destination for the model train enthusiast.
people who love trains and railroad modeling areThe Museum of Science and Industry located in
involved! There is hardly a state in the United StatesChicago Illinois also has a wonderful Model Train exhibit
that doesn't have at least one major museum orcalled The Great Train Story which boasts as having
showcase for the Model Railroader and all are wortha 3,500 sq. foot layout that shows the winding journey
visiting, but some are worth making a trip to see evenfrom Chicago to Seattle through the Midwest, the
if you are only marginally interested. A partial list ofRockies, and the Cascades.
some of the more famous destinations that are sureThe Clovis Depot Located in Clovis New Mexico in an
to thrill both enthusiast and family alike follow:old train station depot which has been rebuilt to its
The San Diego Model Railroad Museum - Partiallyoriginal condition this site was registered with the
available 'online' the museum is a tax exempt non-profitNational Register of Historic Places in 1996.
educational entity that was incorporated in 1980 inSo crank up that old locomotive and head out to one
affiliation with the San Diego Model Railroad Club; theof these or any of the other hundreds of exciting
La Mesa Model Railroad Club; and the San Diegomuseums dedicated to this wonderful hobby of ours.
Society of N-Scale. Over 27,000 sq. ft. of displayFull steam ahead - the past is waiting!