Maren Dougherty's Blog

BLOG: Thirty Candles For The Model Railroad Museum

Balboa Park Beat (7/30/10)

One of Balboa Park’s hidden gems is the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, located on the lower level of the Casa de Balboa. This Saturday, July 31, the museum will celebrate its 30th anniversary with birthday cake, family activities, and behind-the-scenes tours of the museum and its exhibits. The celebration will take place from 11am-3pm.

Approximately 320 volunteers from four model railroad clubs have constructed and operated the train layouts for the public for the past 30 years. The museum houses more than 27,000 square feet of scale models, toy trains, and railroad history exhibits.

“The model railroad museum at Balboa Park is one of the finest in the nation. I have heard many railroad enthusiasts say that over the years,” said Steve Conroy, a long-time museum member and father of two. “So many volunteers put in so much love and hard work and the results are breathtaking.”

During the anniversary celebration, children can color on a rail car wall mural located in the Library Great Room. The mural will remain on display at the museum throughout the summer.

Go to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum Web site to sign up for a guided tour on July 31.