Fun Stuff!

Model Railroad Clubs, Train Museums, and Hobby Shops

 

The Los Angeles area and Southern California are full of places for railroad modelers and train lovers - model railroad clubs, railroad museums, and hobby stores overflowing with great model railroad supplies. There is something here for everyone - people looking for something fun to do with the family, modelers looking to share their enjoyment with like-minded friends, and people looking for just the right thing for their model railroad.

If you know about something we should add to this list, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we can share it.

Model Railroad Clubs

Model railroad clubs are groups of model railroaders who build and operate permanent layouts.  Clubs are ideal of people who don't have the time, space, or money to build a layout at home or who enjoy working with others toward a common goal.  All the clubs welcome new members of any skill level and club members are eager to help fellow members get experience in different facets of the hobby and build their skills.  Many of the clubs have one or more weekly work sessions where people interested in becoming members can see the layout, meet the members and learn what the club is all about.

The information below was accurate when we wrote it, but if you are interested in visiting them, please consult the club's website or contact them for the latest events and directions.  We don't want you fighting traffic for nothing!

Angels Gate Hi-Railers (O Scale)

3601 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA 90731 (Google Maps link)

The Angels Gate Hi-Railers operate the largest O-gauge model railroad in Southern California in Angels Gate park in San Pedro.  The club's layout features trains covering a range of eras from early steam to modern electric and some unique features like the Disneyland ALWEG monorail system and an under-table subway layout featuring several station scenes, turn around switches and signal lights.  The club is open to the public every Saturday from 10am to 4pm.  The club welcomes new members who can operate their own trains or those of the club.

The Belmont Shore Model RR Club (N Scale)

3601 S. Gaffey St. Bldg 824 San Pedro, CA 90731 (Google Maps link)

The Belmont Shore Railroad Club was established in 1971 in the Belmont Shore area of Long Beach. After a few switches and turns, the Belmont Shore Model Railroad now resides in beautiful Angel’s Gate park in San Pedro, California. There you can find their spotlight 25 by 90 foot N scale model train layout which showcases the beautiful work of club members. Visitors are free to enjoy the Club Layout, their Original N-Trak Module, their historic Birth of N-Scale Trainset, and their very own railroad musuem which highlights some of the rich Southern California railroad history. They are open to the public on Saturdays from 12pm to 4pm and Tuesdays from 7pm to 9 pm. The club is open to new members who can enjoy model railroading without needing to spend loads of time and funds for track, scenery or electronics. 

California Southern Model Railroad Club (HO Scale)  

12140 E Firestone Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650  (Google Maps link)

The California Southern Model Railroad Club is building and operating a two-level HO scale layout that models two ficticious railroads, the California Southern Railroad and the Norwalk and Western Railroad.  Members are typically at the club Wednesday and Saturday evenings between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm to work on the layout and run trains.  The public is always welcome.  They also host Open Houses where the public can see the layout.

Coachella Valley Model Railroaders (HO Scale)

82503, CA-111, Indio, CA 92201  (Google Maps link)

The Coachella Valley Model Railroaders operate an HO scale layout in the Crafts and Hobbies building on the grounds of the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival Fairgrounds in Indio, CA.  The club has operating hours Wednesday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. New members are welcome and the club welcomes anyone with an active interest in railroads and modeling.  The level of experience ranges from armchair modelers, to novices, to experts. 

Corona Model Railroad Society (HO Scale)

510 W Foothill Pkwy, Corona, CA 92882  (Google Maps link)

The Corona Model Railroad Society is a branch of Corona Heritage Park specializing in preserving the heritage of their community.  Their HO scale model railroad depicts Corona and Southern California circa 1949 when Corona was "The Lemon Capital of the World" and America's railroads were in transition from steam to diesel.   The railroad features the Santa Fe Third District with the cities of Corona, Fullerton, and Riverside modeled.  The club has monthly open houses and welcomes new members.

East Valley Lines N-Scale Model Railroad Club (N Scale)

5200 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027  (Google Maps link)

Since 1976 the East Valley Lines N-Scale Model Railroad Club has built and operated an N scale layout in the Travel Town Museum at Griffith Park. Today, the layout is one of the largest N-Scale layouts in the world.  

The Glendale Model Railroad Club (HO Scale)

619 Hahn Ave Glendale, CA 91203 (Google Maps link)

The Glendale Model Railroad Club reopened in October 2025 and hosts open houses of their HO scale layout the 1st and 4th Mondays of the month from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Highland Park Model Railroad Club (HO Scale)

854 Broadway, San Gabriel, CA (Google Maps link)

The Highland Park Society of Model Railroad Engineers Inc., founded in April 1948, is a group of model railroaders who seek to increase their over-all pleasure of the hobby through informed association. The Society is constructing an HO scale railroad empire with 3,500 feet of track that will stretch from a seaport to majestic mountains reaching from the floor of the room to some 10 feet into the air. They are open year-round on almost every Wednesday night from 7–9 PM and welcome new members.

Los Angeles Live Steamers (Large Scale)

5202 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (Google Maps link)

Experience the fun and history of railroading at the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park. Founded in 1956 by a group of train enthusiasts, they educate the public in railroad history and show live steam, gas-mechanical and electric railroad technology in actual operation. They offer public rides on Sundays, weather permitting, and welcome new members.

Los Angeles Model Railroad Society (HO Scale)

26008 S Western Ave, Harbor City, CA 90710 (Google Maps link)

The Los Angeles Model Railroad Society (LAMRS) is a non-profit California corporation made up of a diverse group of model railroad enthusiasts of many ages, professions and backgrounds. The club has been promoting the hobby of model railroading for more than four decades. They are active in the community and hold periodic open houses for the public. They welcome all levels of model railroaders into their organization and strive to get new members involved with running model trains, railroad operations, and working on the club's new HO scale layout.

Orange County Model Engineers (Large Scale)

2480 Placentia Avenue Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (Google Maps link)

The Orange County Model Engineers (OCME) is a non-profit 501(c) tax deductible organization that operates a 7.5-inch gauge railroad at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa known as the Mackerel Flats and Goathill Junction Railroad. The club was founded in 1985 by a group of local railroad buffs and currently has close to 5 miles of actual track winding through the park. A variety of trains run on the track and represent 1.5-inch, 2.5-inch and 3.75-inch scale equipment. OCME is looking for anyone who has a desire to work and have fun at the railroad to join the group. Many of the members have worked for the real railroads and or have civil and/or mechanical engineering experience, but no experience is required. It’s a great place to learn and spend time with real trains and enthusiasts.

Pasadena Model Railroad Museum (HO Scale)

5458 Alhambra Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90032 (Google Maps link)

Founded in April 1940 as the Pasadena Model Railroad Club, the Pasadena Model Railroad Museum (PMRRM) has been part of the model railroad community for over eight decades. PMRRM is located in Los Angeles, California (they moved from Pasadena decades ago, but the name stuck), and operates one of the largest HO scale model railroads in the world, the 5000 square foot (70′ x 72′) Sierra Pacific Lines.

PMRRM is open to the public on the third Sunday of every month and welcome prospective members regardless of their skill level or modeling experience.

Slim Gauge Guild (HOn3 and Sn3 Scale)

300 S. Raymond Ave. Pasadena, CA 91105 (Google Maps link)

The Slim Gauge Guild is a group of modelers focused on the narrow gauge railroads of the Rocky Mountains and California. They have two layouts located in a 2000 square foot basement.  The HOn3 layout is based on the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad and the Rio Grande Southern features models of specific prototype scenes. The Sn3 layout is more freelanced. It loosely models the Colorado and Southern for the mainline and northern California lumber companies for the highline.  They hold open houses two weekends a year. They welcome new members who can join them during their weekly meetings at the club on Tuesday nights.  The club is in the basement of the building; use the main building entrance next to Congregation Brewing. 

Modular Railroad Clubs

Modular railroad clubs are similar to model railroad clubs, but don't have a permanent club space with a layout.  Modular railroad club member build small modules in their homes and bring them together periodically to build large layouts where they can run trains.  These layouts are often built in public areas where visitors can see the modules and trains.  Each module is built to the same standard, which allows them to connect together and create large layouts.

The two most popular formats for modular railroads are NTrak and T-Trak.  NTrack modules are generally two feet deep and can be two, four, or six feet long.  They are built like tables and include legs that extend to the floor.  T-Trak modules are smaller, they about 12 inches deep and can be one, two, or three feet long.  T-Trak modules sit on top of a table when connected together.

Some modular railroad club members don't live near a permanent model railroad club and others enjoy the convenience of building the modules in their own home or apartment.  Like model railroad clubs, modular clubs offer the chance to meet like-minded people and develop new skills.

'20s, '30s and Beyond Model Railroad (HO Scale)

The '20s, '30s and Beyond Model Railroad replicates the golden age of railroading in 1:87 HO scale. Members build and transport their own six-foot-long modules that depict North American railroading during the period from the end of WWI through the steam-to-diesel era. They set up several times a year at public locations in southern California.  They are welcome new members and there is no cost to join other than that of building your module. They are so informal that there are no club officers, no bylaws and no dues! All they ask is that your module be of a similar high quality as the ones already made. 

Group 160 NTRAK Club (N Scale)

Group 160 NTRAK is a modular model railroad club with members in Los Angeles, Kern, and Ventura Counties of Southern California. they display and operate our layouts approximately six or seven times a year throughout these counties.  Group 160 welcomes all those who wish to participate in the enjoyable hobby of N-Scale model railroading, watching real trains, talking about trains, and just about anything train related. Owning a module is not a requirement and anyone who wishes to operate trains is just as welcome to join. They even offer Youth membership to those between 12 & 18 years of age.

High Desert Modular Model Railroad Club (HO Scale)

The High Desert Modular Model Railroad Club (HDMMRC) is an HO Modular Model Railroad group that promotes model railroading in the Antelope Valley region of Southern California. They are always looking for people who share their interest and commitment to this hobby to expand and create new and interesting modular scenes. 

NTrak Express (N Scale)

NTrak Express is an N-scale modular model railroad club most of whose members live in Orange County, CA. Several times a year, club members meet and combine their module sections into a 20×40′ or larger layout where as many as 9 trains can be run simultaneously. These shows are held at the local Convention Centers, fairgrounds, schools, NMRA events, and public and private venues. The large size allows trains pulling up to 75 cars or more! Occasionally several clubs come together to make a truly giant layout.

Orange County Module Railroaders (HO Scale)

Orange County Module Railroaders (OCMR) is an HO Scale railroad club located in Orange County, California. Being a modular club, members build and maintain individual modules that conform to club standards which are brought to various public venues. The modules are assembled to form a complete model railroad, and members operate their own trains on the layout. Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in model trains, and is a current member in the National Model Railroad Association. Annual dues are currently set at $80. The club meets at 7 PM on the third Tuesday of every month except in August and December at the Irvine Ranch Water District Duck Club, 15 Riparian View, Irvine, CA. Enter Riparian Way from Campus Drive while heading westbound, between University and Jamboree.

Orange County O Scalers (O Scale)

The Orange County O Scalers (a division of the Citrus Empire Model Railroad Engineers, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation) sets up layouts at various events throughout the year, mostly in the Southern California area.  They have no dues, no offices and no officers, and are self-supporting through revenues they receive from the events. They are always looking for new members of all ages and no models or modules are required to join. They have monthly Saturday meetings in the Orange County/Riverside area where the finest 2-rail O Scale modelers design, build, and modify their fleet of outstanding modules built to NMRA standards (not to mention have a great lunch!).

Southern California S-Gaugers Club (S Gauge)

The Southern California S-Gaugers Club is a group of like-minded Model Railroad enthusiasts who collect, model, and operate S-gauge model trains. They meet on the second Saturday each month to exchange information about S-gauge model trains and plan club activities. The club operates a modular layout that is displayed at model train shows throughout Southern California.  The club is open to all but the emphasis of the club is aimed at people interested in some aspect of S-gauge model railroading. Dues are $10.00 per year with an additional one-time initiation fee of $60.00 that includes one S-gauge club commemorative car.

The Southern California Traction Club (HO)

The Southern California Traction Club (SCTC) is an HO scale modular group that operates model electric streetcars, interurban, and subway vehicles from live overhead wires. The club displays its modules at several events each year. Unlike most modular clubs, SCTC has a clubhouse in the Baldwin Vista area of Los Angeles where members can be found two Sundays each month working on modules or rolling stock.  

Toy Train Operating Society, Southern Pacific Division (Large Scale)

The Toy Train Operating Society (TTOS), Southern Pacific Division is a dynamic and active voice for the hobby of operating and collecting toy trains, sometimes called Lionel trains. We have not forgotten American Flyer as the other identifiable name in the past history of the hobby. 

ZoCal: Southern California Z Scale Model Railroading Group (Z Scale)

ZoCal: Southern California Z Scale Model Railroading Group was formed to help organize events and efforts by Z scale model railroaders in the greater southern California area. They meet at regional model railroad shows and meetings held by related organizations.  Because of the small size of the models they can pack a lot of scenery and trains into a small space, including 100+ car trains!

Museums

Los Angeles and Southern California are home to many great railroad museums where visitors can see, touch, and sometimes drive historic railroad locomotives, cars, and other equipment.

Travel Town Museum at Griffith Park

5200 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (Google Maps link)

Travel Town is a free museum in Griffith Park in Los Angeles that is owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles, Dept. of Recreation & Park. It features more than 40 historic railroad locomotives and cars, a gift shop, and picnic areas. 

There are two separate train rides in Griffith Park, both operated by the same group. The 16" gauge Travel Town Railroad is 3/8th of a mile long and rides circle the museum grounds twice. The Griffith Park & Southern Railroad is located in the southeast corner of Griffith Park, about four miles from Travel Town.  The 18.5" gauge train travels over one mile of track, across a bridge, through a forest and the Old Western Town. 

Though it's not part of Travel Town, the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum is located in Griffith Park.

If that wasn't enough, the East Valley Lines N Scale Model Railroad operates in the depot building at the Travel Town museum and is open to the public weekends from 10am to 4pm.

Lomita Railroad Museum

2137 250th St, Lomita, CA 90717 (Google Maps link)

The Lomita Railroad Museum is a small museum in Lomita that features a 1902 Southern Pacific steam locomotive, three freight cars and two cabooses.  The station building houses a small museum and gift shop and there is a railroad library in one of the cabooses.  It is open 10am to 5pm from Friday to Sunday and admission is free.

Irvine Park Railroad (1/3 scale live steam)

1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869 (Google Maps link)

The Irvine Park Railroad is a 1/3 scale train that takes both children and adults on a ride through beautiful and historic Irvine Regional Park. Located in the foothills of Orange, Irvine Park Railroad is open seven days a week (weather permitting).

Southern California Railway Museum

2201 S A St, Perris, CA 92570 (Google Maps link)

The Southern California Railway Museum has one of the West’s largest collection of railway locomotives, passenger and freight cars, streetcars, buildings and other artifacts dating from the 1870’s. You can do more than just see trains - you can ride streetcars, interurban electric cars, and trains on the Museum railway. Not enough for you? The museum's Run One Program lets you get behind the controls and operate of some of your favorite equipment. 

RailGiants Train Museum

1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768 (Google Maps link)

Operated by the Southern California Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, the RailGiants Train Museum at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in Pomona, houses some of the country’s most well-preserved locomotives. In addition to the locomotives, they have various pieces of rolling stock (freight and passenger cars), the historic Arcadia Depot, the Library Archives, and Gift Shop.  The museum is open free to the public during the second weekend of each month, except in May, from 10 am to 5 pm.

National City Depot Museum

922 W 23rd St, National City, CA 91950  (Google Maps link)

The San Diego Electric Railway Association (SDERA) is dedicated to the preservation of the history of the San Diego Electric Railway - San Diego's primary streetcar system which operated from the late 1800s to 1949. It operates the National City Depot, a streetcar and railroad history museum within the historic Santa Fe railroad station. The depot is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. An O-Scale model railroad exhibit is also included in the museum displays.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps link)

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is 27,000 square feet of trains, tracks, and trestles in the heart of Balboa Park that showcases the history of railroading across Southern California. It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm.

The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum

750 Depot Street, Campo, CA 91906 (Google Maps link)
4695 Nebo Drive, La Mesa, CA 91941(Google Maps link)

The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of railroads as they existed in the Pacific Southwest and has over 120 pieces of equipment and artifacts on display between their two facilities in Campo, CA and La Mesa, CA.  The main site is in Campo and offers vintage train rides with locomotives and cars from the early 20th century operated by all-volunteer train crews and support staff.  The smaller La Mesa site has publicly accessible static displays, but no train rides.  Hours vary by season.

The California State Railroad Museum

111 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 (Google Maps link)

The California State Railroad Museum, a global icon located in Sacramento's historic Old Sacramento Waterfront, celebrates the transformative power of railroads that built California, united a nation, and changed the world. The Museum brings history to life through its world-class locomotive collection, engaging exhibits, and unforgettable stories of the railroad era.  The museum operates excursion trains and has two exhibits focused on model railroading.  In partnership with the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), "The Magic of Scale Model Railroading” features a superb collection of model layouts and scale trains.  "Small Wonders: The Magic of Toy Trains" exhibit features some 1,000 vintage toy trains, six interactive displays, and a magnificent operating toy train layout.

 

Model Hobby Stores

There are a number of hobby stores in the Los Angeles region that specialize in model railroad equipment and supplies.