The San Diego Museum of Railroad Modeling (SDMRM) preserves the legacy of railroad transportation. In this place, you can see different models of roads with tracks designed for the movement of trains. The special feature is that the exhibits are constantly changing, so the exhibition never bores visitors.
History of creation
Railway models began to be built in 1935, when the Pacific International Exhibition was held. Minton Kronheit was one of the first to create such models. He went down in history as the man who recreated a 50-by-60-foot scale model railroad for the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Similar works popularized train travel and helped revive the economy during the Great Depression. The 40-by-70-foot railroad was recognized as a key attraction at the California Exposition.
The San Diego Museum of Railroad Modeling (SDMRM) was opened in 1982 to preserve railroad heritage by providing access to miniature replicas of railroads in California to introduce the railroad industry to the public. There is a tradition in which railway modeling clubs sponsor and maintain exhibits. Every week, volunteers come to construct scenes describing the history of railway development.
Short description
The area of the San Diego Museum of Railroad Modeling (SDMRM) covers approximately 2,500 square meters. This is the largest exhibition of its kind in the entire United States. A gallery of miniature replicas of trains that look like toys gathers visitors of different genders and ages. To date, the San Diego Museum of Railroad Modeling (SDMRM) has been visited by more than 3 million people. The railway lines are shown here on a reduced scale, but with a realistic landscape. The exhibits include:
- A 2-level mockup of the "Tehakapi Pass" depicting the junction of the road from Bakersfield to Mojave, which was built in the 1950s.
- The Pacific Desert layout is based on a line that was designed but could not be built.
- The San Diego & Arizona Eastern RR is an image of the branch line running from "Union" station to El Centro.
The Museum of Railway Modeling in San Diego (SDMRM) has a library where you can learn about the history and features of not only railway modeling, but also the creation of real tracks. The collection of books, magazine products, drawings, and videotapes is of interest to both students and schoolchildren, their parents, and travelers from all over the world. Reference materials are not provided for review at home, they can only be viewed during a visit.
How to get
The San Diego Museum of Railroad Modeling (SDMRM) is located on the ground floor of the "Casa de Balboa" complex, located in Balboa Park. Buses No7, 120 and Rapid 215 stop near the park. You can take the free tram that runs between the main points every 15 minutes. It stops at Inspiration Point, Organ Pavilion, and Federal parking lots, and passengers get off at stops that require a 10-minute walk to the attractions of the park area. Admission is free for up to 5 years old, and children and visitors over 65 years old receive a discount when buying tickets.
Gallery
