Model railroading is a meticulous work of detailed artistry and engineering as it “tracks” the fascinating days of train history. To expound on the hobby’s popularity, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum will show off it’s California collections with a special 30th anniversary celebration July 31 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All the the whistles and make believe chugs will come alive in the lower level of Balboa Park’s Prado. This unique museum contains four enormous scale and model layouts — Cabrillo and Southwestern, San Diego and Arizona Eastern, Pacific Desert Lines and the two-tier Tehachapi Pass — built by separate model railroad clubs. The museum encompasses 27,000 square feet of scale models, toy trains, railroad history exhibits and a comprehensive railroad research library. Assistant director Anthony Ridenhour explained that it’s a hobby that finds interest from all ages, “I knew nothing about model trains but I got caught up in all the fun six years ago and now the museum is my career,” said the 37-year-old. He said he serves as a liaison from the front office to the tiny rail yards. Founder John Potsan is the executive director. The men responsible for handling the controls of the train displays will guide guests on tours and be handy to answer questions about the engineering masterpieces of the mid-1900s during the celebration. Although the hobby would appear to be a plaything for the retired, Ridenhour believes there’s a resurgence in interest among younger people in model railroading. The San Diego and Arizona Eastern display is the center piece operated daily by San Diego Model Railroad Association members. Each layout is staffed by a different club. “Roughly about 300 volunteer members take part in the activities … running and building,” Ridenhour said. “Members operate the trains daily while others come in the evenings for construction. This is the largest and only accredited model railroad museum in North America.” Minten Cronkite is credited as the park forerunner, setting up one of the first model railroad layouts for the 1935-36 exposition. “We have the train that was exhibited then and it runs now on our O train display,” Ridenhour said. New permanent public aisles, allowing for better viewing, have been installed. The children’s room has a Thomas the train area, toy train gallery and an interactive pushbutton to control trains. The museum intends to preserve the heritage of railroading through the miniature representations of California railroads, research and to maintain the history of model railroading. It also serves as the umbrella for all the model railroad clubs. Trains flawlessly rumble over miniature mountain ranges which have been replicated in every exact detail to bring you back to the days of yesteryear.
