San Diego Model Railroad Museum

As a way of preserving the history of the railroad, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum has collected miniature depictions of the railroads in California. The purpose is to educate. This is the world's largest indoor display of a model railroad at 27,000 square feet. The scales, N and HO, are constructed mainly by volunteers. If your children are fascinated by the railroad and wants to learn more about its beginnings, this is definitely a stop on your tour of the San Diego area.

Summer Camp

The museum even has a summer camp for the enjoyment of youngsters. The combination of learning and fun will be one of the highlights of their trip. The giant models of the railroad are great to explore and the kids can even build their own models. Riding real trains as well as trolleys is a part of the adventure. If you know you will be in San Diego during the time this camp is held, you can make arrangements for your child to attend.

This is a very important part of the history of San Diego as well as the rest of the nation. Allowing your children to visit and learn about the beginnings of the railroad and how dependent we became upon it for travel and transporting of materials will teach them about a very important part of our past.

Operation Lifesaver

One of the most important parts of the San Diego Model Railroad Museum is a safety program that aims to teach children about the safety aspect of the railroad. The program is designed to allow children the opportunity to learn about the way to prevent injuries and collisions at railroad crossings.

This is a program originally started by an employee of the railroad in 1972. Concerned about the high number of injuries and deaths caused by the lack of awareness, the program is committed to ending these needless problems by education. Learning early is one of the best ways to prevent railroad injuries and teaching your child by allowing them to participate in this program is a good way to get them started on the road to safety.

Kid's Corner

Just for kids, your children can learn how to guide their train along the tracks and they are in control. This is fun not only for kids but adults as well. Finding the many routes they can guide their train through and make it to the original point. The picture puzzle is another fun game. Putting all the pieces in the right place will reveal a a picture of the San Diego Model Railroad Museum (but shhhh! don't tell the kids before they figure it out!).

A new part of the museum is the relief map that shows a three dimensional map of the area. This is on a touch screen which provides a visitor guide to help find various locations in the San Diego area. Helping you to find points of interest by using this map makes it much easier and fun too.

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