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Home » Arts » This Article

World-Class Model Railroad Exhibit Wows Visitors to Old Town

Posted by Editor on March 5, 2017 in Arts | 852 Views
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A 1950s diesel locomotive approaches a street crossing. Photo by Jan Wagner
A 1950s diesel locomotive approaches a street crossing. Photo by Jan Wagner

By Jan Wagner

An amazing scale model railroad layout that playfully recreates 1950s America can be found in historic Old Town San Diego.

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It is billed as “the largest privately owned O-scale model train interactive San Diego attraction, with over 2500 square feet of fun for all ages.”

20161222-COLOR AutoMatters & More-Jan Wagner in 20160106+text-1-75w x 2h x 300dpi-IMG_3581Spread over two large rooms — one in daylight and one at night — this retro slice of Americana features a variety of scenes, including a city with a fire department, shops, a motel, a baseball park, movie theaters, car dealerships and even Elvis Presley.

There’s a “Wild West” town, industrial sites, a farming community, a lakeside country resort, a carnival and much more — all reproduced in exquisite, often whimsical attention to detail. Signs on buildings include: “Cook, Books & Hyde Tax Accountants” and “Dewey, Cheetum & Howe” Tax Attorneys.

The display includes tiny cars, trucks, boats, people, animals and computer-controlled trains. The widespread electrification of lights, signs, vehicles, buildings and more is truly mind-boggling.

Remarkably, admission to this miniature wonder is free of charge, thanks to visitors’ voluntary donations and sales of railroad-themed mementos, artwork and clothing items in the gift shop.

The Old Town Model Railroad Depot is open daily except Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Join in the conversation. Send your comments and suggestions to AutoMatters@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2017 by Jan Wagner

World-Class Model Railroad Exhibit Wows Visitors to Old Town was last modified: March 6th, 2017 by Editor

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Posted in Arts | Tagged Jan Wagner, O Scale, Old Town, Old Town Model Railroad Depot, trains
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