San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Home to 28,000 square feet of space in the lower level of the Casa De Balboa building, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum features six bustling train exhibits. Four take visitors on a panoramic journey through real or imaginary Southwest railway lines with a fifth operating display devoted to rare and modern toy trains.

The sixth and newest permanent exhibit is “Centennial Garden Railway,” an exciting G-scale model version of Balboa Park in 1915-1916. Both massive and intricate, the layouts are maintained by local model railroads clubs. Everything from mountain scenery to miniature buildings have been handcrafted in the various O, HO and N scale exhibits. Trains come equipped with realistic engine sounds, horns, whistles, and even smoke! The museum also offers school visits and summer camps. Visitors may enjoy “Loco for Locos: Railroadiana and Railroad Kitsch,” on display through summer 2016. Open every day except Mondays. sdmrm.org