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San Diego Model Railroad Museum

San Diego Model Railroad Museum SDMRM hosts 5 different model train exhibits in Balboa Park. OPEN Tuesday-Sunday 11-4!

Operating as usual

Calling all 3-railers! Looking to add to your collection? SDMRM is having a special Friday night sale featuring 3 rail, ...
01/16/2023

Calling all 3-railers! Looking to add to your collection? SDMRM is having a special Friday night sale featuring 3 rail, O-gauge trains. We'll have prewar, postwar, modern, and even track and other parts. Admission is free, so stop by and see what catches your eye!

πŸ“… February 17th, 5:30PM-7:30PM
πŸ“ 1649 El Prado, San Diego CA

This year, SDMRM is raising money to update our Exhibit and Way-finding experience. We want to ensure everyone who visit...
01/14/2023

This year, SDMRM is raising money to update our Exhibit and Way-finding experience. We want to ensure everyone who visits the museum walks away having learned something. With your help, we can update gallery information, way-finding and directional signage, technology and learning interactives. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today to help us reach our goal of raising $50,000!

https://www.sdmrm.org/donate

The museum will be OPEN on Monday, 1/16, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Take advantage of this long weekend to come che...
01/13/2023

The museum will be OPEN on Monday, 1/16, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Take advantage of this long weekend to come check out all the great trains in our 3-Rail Toy Train Gallery! Don't forget, kids 12 and under are always free with a paid adult.

️🎟️ Museum admission at the link in bio

SDMRM is excited to announce we are once again hosting birthday parties at the museum! Host up to 36 people in our Pacif...
01/12/2023

SDMRM is excited to announce we are once again hosting birthday parties at the museum! Host up to 36 people in our Pacific Beach room and have access to all the exhibits in the museum.

Head over to our website and click on the "events" page to learn more and start planning a birthday party for your favorite train lover!

Anyone recognize this place?This is our n-scale model of the Carlsbad flower fields! If you're looking for something to ...
01/10/2023

Anyone recognize this place?
This is our n-scale model of the Carlsbad flower fields! If you're looking for something to do this week, visit the San Diego Model Railroad Museum and find this hidden gem of San Diego on the Pacific Desert Lines layout!

01/05/2023

The first swap meet of the year is this Saturday, 1/7/20223! Here's some clips from our special sale back in November, and we'll have even more this weekend. The sale goes from 7:00am-10:30am and is at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. For more information, head to www.sdmrm.org/swap-meet

Our spring exhibit, Transcontinental Railroads, is now being displayed in the Pacific Beach room at the museum! Come lea...
01/04/2023

Our spring exhibit, Transcontinental Railroads, is now being displayed in the Pacific Beach room at the museum! Come learn about this history of this monumental railroad and see interesting images from the past.

πŸ“… January – June, 2023
πŸ•š Tuesdays – Sundays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
πŸ“ 1649 El Prado, San Diego CA
🎟️ Museum admission at the link in bio

SDMRM is excited to announce the Centennial Railway Garden is getting a makeover! This exhibit will be closed from now u...
01/02/2023

SDMRM is excited to announce the Centennial Railway Garden is getting a makeover! This exhibit will be closed from now until approximately April. We apologize for any inconvenience and can't wait to unveil the new outdoor railroad exhibit soon!

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum wishes you a happy New Year!
01/01/2023

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum wishes you a happy New Year!

There's still time to make your year-end gift to support SDMRM's gallery experience projects!  All donations are tax ded...
12/27/2022

There's still time to make your year-end gift to support SDMRM's gallery experience projects! All donations are tax deductible and gifts of any size make an impact.

Head over to our website https://www.sdmrm.org/donate or click the link in our bio to learn more on the "donate" page.

SDMRM is holding our first swap meet of the new year on Saturday, January 7th! Stop by to see the wide variety of trains...
12/26/2022

SDMRM is holding our first swap meet of the new year on Saturday, January 7th! Stop by to see the wide variety of trains all our sellers have to offer. Or attend as a seller and help someone expand their collection. See you there!

Merry Christmas from all of us at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum! We are closed today for the holiday but will be o...
12/25/2022

Merry Christmas from all of us at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum! We are closed today for the holiday but will be open tomorrow for you to see our Winter ExhibitsπŸŽ„

The San Diego Railroad Museum would love to have you visit over the holiday season! Here are our operating hours from 12...
12/22/2022

The San Diego Railroad Museum would love to have you visit over the holiday season! Here are our operating hours from 12/24-1/1:

β–ͺ️ 12/24: Open 11am-3pm

β–ͺ️ 12/25: Closed for Christmas Day

β–ͺ️ 12/26-12/30: Open 11am-4pm

β–ͺ️ 12/31: Open 11am-3pm

β–ͺ️ 1/1: Open 11am-4pm

Picture credit to

12/21/2022

Buy a Lifetime Membership to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum and get your name on our track of railroad ties forever! Now is the perfect time to buy a membership before prices increase starting January 1, 2023. For more information and to purchase your membership, go to www.SDMRM.org/membership or click the link in our bio!

All levels of membership enjoy free admission to the museum, member discounts, special member events, and more!

Now introducing our spring exhibit: Transcontinental Railroads, opening January 4th, 2023! The First Transcontinental Ra...
12/20/2022

Now introducing our spring exhibit: Transcontinental Railroads, opening January 4th, 2023!

The First Transcontinental Railroad opened the western part of America, allowing people to cross the nation in less than a week. This exhibit covers the legislation that was needed to approve the construction, as well as the two companies responsible for building the 1,776-mile railroad. Finally, it discusses the impact of the railroad, both positive and negative.

πŸ“… January – June, 2023
πŸ•š Tuesdays – Sundays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
πŸ“ 1649 El Prado, San Diego CA
🎟️ Museum admission at the link in bio

SDMRM needs your help raising $50,000 to update its galleries. This project will work to improve your experience so that...
12/19/2022

SDMRM needs your help raising $50,000 to update its galleries. This project will work to improve your experience so that we can enhance every visit to our museum. Give a tax-deductible gift today; any amount makes an impact on the work we do! https://www.sdmrm.org/donate

Picture credit to .friendly.fun

Ales N' Rails is Tonight! If you can't make it this year, but would still like to contribute, you can make a tax-deducti...
12/17/2022

Ales N' Rails is Tonight! If you can't make it this year, but would still like to contribute, you can make a tax-deductible donation on the Ales N' Rails page and to help us reach our goal of raising $15,000. Every dollar raised supports SDMRM’s operations, programs, and Model Railroad Clubs. So far we’ve raised over $6,400.

We are so excited to see everyone and their ugly sweaters tonight at 6pm!

https://www.sdmrm.org/alesnrails?utm_content=sked_639a55579280b1246c8c53b3&utm_medium=social&utm_name=sked&utm_source=facebook

'Tis the Season! The SDMRM gift shop is having a sale on all things Polar Express. Get 20% off Polar Express puzzles, tr...
12/16/2022

'Tis the Season! The SDMRM gift shop is having a sale on all things Polar Express. Get 20% off Polar Express puzzles, train sets, games and more! These will make a great gift for anyone who can still hear the magic bell of Christmas.

Still haven't watched the classic Polar Express movie this year? The Fleet Science Center has showings in their giant dome this weekend. Head over to their website to get your ticket! https://www.fleetscience.org/shows/polar-express

Looking for a unique gift this holiday season? Everyone will enjoy an annual membership to the San Diego Model Railroad ...
12/15/2022

Looking for a unique gift this holiday season? Everyone will enjoy an annual membership to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum! Swipe to see all the benefits that come with being a member ➑️

And a reminder that membership prices will increase effective January 1st, so get those memberships before the end of the year!

Head to SDMRM.org and click on "Join and Give" to purchase a membership and get more information.

With your help, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum will improve our signage, technology, and more to ensure you have th...
12/13/2022

With your help, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum will improve our signage, technology, and more to ensure you have the best experience here every time you visit. Head over to https://www.sdmrm.org/donate to learn more and donate.
We appreciate any donations made this holiday season!

Have you stopped by to see our winter themed layouts this Holiday season? Kids 12 and under get in free and are sure to ...
12/12/2022

Have you stopped by to see our winter themed layouts this Holiday season? Kids 12 and under get in free and are sure to love finding all the Santas in our 3-rail room!

Picture credit to Nat Biendara

Beginning January 1, 2023, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum will be increasing membership prices for the first time i...
12/08/2022

Beginning January 1, 2023, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum will be increasing membership prices for the first time in 5 years. This change will directly impact the museum as its programming continues to expand and embrace the future of serving our community. To learn more about this increase, visit our website at www.sdmrm.org/membership

We encourage you to take advantage of the current membership prices now before they go up next month. Memberships can be purchased onsite or on our website under "Join and Give"

SDMRM thanks you for your continued support and hopes that you consider becoming part of our community!

The countdown begins for Ales N' Rails! The most fun fundraiser of the year is only 10 days away 🍻 Enjoy this throwback ...
12/07/2022

The countdown begins for Ales N' Rails! The most fun fundraiser of the year is only 10 days away 🍻 Enjoy this throwback from last year's event and get your tickets at the link in our bio!

Not sure what to get your favorite train lover for Christmas? Look no further than the San Diego Model Railroad Museum G...
12/06/2022

Not sure what to get your favorite train lover for Christmas? Look no further than the San Diego Model Railroad Museum Gift Shop! Our curated collection of train-themed gifts are sure to put a smile on anyone's face Christmas morningπŸŽ„πŸŽ

SDMRM is hiring in our Gift Shop! We are looking for friendly, cooperative, motivated and outgoing employees to assist i...
12/04/2022

SDMRM is hiring in our Gift Shop! We are looking for friendly, cooperative, motivated and outgoing employees to assist in our guests' experience. The hours are 10:30-4:30, Tuesday-Sunday.
If you like the Model Railroad Museum, and feel you would be a good fit, go to our website and click on the "Opportunities" page under "Get involved" to learn more!

From today forward, kids under 12 get into the San Diego Model Railroad Museum FREE! We look forward to introducing the ...
12/01/2022

From today forward, kids under 12 get into the San Diego Model Railroad Museum FREE! We look forward to introducing the next generation to model railroading.

πŸ•š Tuesdays – Sundays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
πŸ“ 1649 El Prado, San Diego CA
🎟️ Adult admission at the link in bio

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult with paid admission.

Today is Giving Tuesday!The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is asking for donations to update its Exhibit and Way-findin...
11/29/2022

Today is Giving Tuesday!

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is asking for donations to update its Exhibit and Way-finding experience.

If 500 people were to give $100, we would reach our goal of raising $50,000 to enhance your gallery experience. However, any size contribution will make a positive impact.

The museum’s success is entirely because of your generosity.

Click the link in our bio and head over to the donate page to make your contribution.

11/28/2022

Cyber Monday is here! You can support SDMRM by shopping our online gift shop! Here are some of our favorite items – sure to be a great gift for your favorite train lover (or yourself!)

Happy Museum Store Sunday! Be a Patron today and come see all the wonderful offerings we have at our giftshop. As a smal...
11/27/2022

Happy Museum Store Sunday! Be a Patron today and come see all the wonderful offerings we have at our giftshop. As a small, community business, we value your support. All proceeds go to funding the San Diego Model Railroad Museum and our mission.

11/26/2022

We still have tickets available for Ales N Rails!

Show your support this Small Business Saturday by buying your ticket today.

If you can't make it this year, you can still donate on the Ales N' Rails web page to help further support our mission and programing here at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum.

🎟️Link to tickets and donation page is in our bio!

11/24/2022

Happy Thanksgiving from the San Diego Model Railroad Musuem! We are closed today for the holiday, but we're OPEN tomorrow, 11/25 from 11am-4pm.

To all our valued visitors, SDMRM wants to inform you the museum will be closed Thursday 11/24 for the Thanksgiving holi...
11/22/2022

To all our valued visitors, SDMRM wants to inform you the museum will be closed Thursday 11/24 for the Thanksgiving holiday. The museum will be OPEN Friday 11/25, Saturday 11/26 and Sunday 11/27! We thank you for understanding and wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!

Museum Store Sunday is one week away! The SDMRM giftshop is excited to join over 1,800 other stores in this day of suppo...
11/20/2022

Museum Store Sunday is one week away! The SDMRM giftshop is excited to join over 1,800 other stores in this day of supporting non-profits and museums.
We encourage you to visit us next Sunday, 11/27, to see our curated collection of train themed items. From Polar Express puzzles to our clever "one track mind" t-shirts, and much more, you're sure to find the perfect gift for the train lover in your life.

11/18/2022

From G-Z, we love all the scales here at the San Diego Model Railroad MuseumπŸ“

What scale do you model in?

Hey you O and HO scalers! Don't forget the End of the Year Sale Swap Meet is this Friday from 6pm-8pm. We would love to ...
11/17/2022

Hey you O and HO scalers! Don't forget the End of the Year Sale Swap Meet is this Friday from 6pm-8pm. We would love to clear out our inventory for the holidays, so stop by and see what you like!

This year, SDMRM has a goal of raising $50,000 to update its Exhibit and Way-finding experience. With lingering impacts ...
11/16/2022

This year, SDMRM has a goal of raising $50,000 to update its Exhibit and Way-finding experience. With lingering impacts of the global pandemic, your invaluable contributions help drive operations forward so that SDMRM may continue serving the community. Help the museum update and improve your gallery experience by making a year-end tax deductible gift TODAY!

Click the link in our bio and head to the donate page to read more about this project and make your contribution.

Got your golden ticket to the Winter Express yet?Don't miss out on this morning of Holiday funπŸ“… December 10th & 11thπŸ“ 16...
11/14/2022

Got your golden ticket to the Winter Express yet?

Don't miss out on this morning of Holiday fun

πŸ“… December 10th & 11th
πŸ“ 1649 El Prado, San Diego CA
🎟️ Tickets at the link in bio

11/11/2022

Ales N Rails is arriving at the station soon! We are looking forward to a fun night of music, beer, games, and, of course, trains!

Get your tickets today 😊

πŸ“… December 17th 6pm-9:30pm
πŸ“ 1649 El Prado, San Diego CA
🎟️ Tickets at the link in bio

SDMRM would like to present our new winter exhibit – Toy Trains Through the Decades.This exhibit, displayed in the Pacif...
11/09/2022

SDMRM would like to present our new winter exhibit – Toy Trains Through the Decades.

This exhibit, displayed in the Pacific Beach room, follows the evolution of toy trains dating back to the 1800's. Come check it out over the holiday season!

πŸ“… November 21st – January, 2023
πŸ•š Tuesdays – Sundays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
πŸ“ 1649 El Prado, San Diego CA
🎟️ Museum admission at the link in bio

Address

1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA
92101

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11am - 4pm
Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm
Sunday 11am - 4am

Telephone

+16196960199

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All aboard the Easter Eggspress 🐣🐰 don't miss our next special before-hours event, the Easter Eggspress & Storytime THIS Sunday, April 3 from 9-11 a.m.! There will be arts & crafts, along with a brand new photo opportunity - so come in your Easter best, if you'd like! Tickets are at https://www.sdmrm.org/easter. See you there!

We are OPEN for extra hours in late March & early April! πŸ˜Šβ€‹

➑️ Wednesday, March 30, April 6 & April 13, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.​
➑️ Thursday, March 31 & April 7, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.​

And we are open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11-4. See you soon!
Know a model πŸš‚ lover who wants to add to their collection? Stop by the Swap Meet! Vendors from around California will offer a variety of rolling stock & scenery. Read below or visit https://www.sdmrm.org/swap-meet

πŸ“† Saturday, April 9
πŸ•– 7-11 a.m.
🎟️ $3 admission for 1 person, $5 for 2 people​

Join us for the Easter Eggspress and Storytime on April 3 & 10! Your ticket to this special before-hours event also includes a day of museum admission. Eggs, trains, and goodies galore – is there a better way to ring in spring?​

πŸ₯• 9 - 11 a.m.​
πŸ₯• Tickets at https://www.sdmrm.org/easter
πŸ₯• $13.50 per adult, $20 per child​
πŸ₯• Museum Members - contact us for your discount code!
April 9 is our next Community Swap Meet! Come by and peruse a variety of locomotives, cars, and scenery materials for your collection. Read below or visit https://www.sdmrm.org/swap-meet.

πŸ“† Saturday, April 9​
πŸ•– 7-11 a.m.​
🎟️ $3 admission for 1 person, $5 for 2 people​
πŸš‚ Trains of all scales and sizes from sellers around Southern California!​
​
Week 2 of Model Railroad Summer Camp is already sold out, but there are still spots left in both our in-person and virtual summer camps! Whether you live in San Diego πŸ–οΈ or across the country ✈️ your train-loving child can learn important science, math, & art concepts while having lots of fun. More info at https://www.sdmrm.org/summer-camps!
What would you do πŸ€” if you robbed a train of millions? After the Great Train Robbery of Britain in August 1963, the robbers reconvened at a farmhouse...and played Monopoly! 🀣 The police found the board, and other evidence, when they searched the farm a few days later and caught the culprits. ​

πŸ“ Toy Train Gallery ​
πŸ“Έ Richard Carreon, YouTube
Hop into Easter with us! 🐰🐣 Our first ever Easter Eggspress (get it?) and Storytime will feature a fun egg quest around the museum, special trains running in our Toy Train Gallery, arts & crafts, and storytime. After you’ve finished your search for eggs and eaten some candy, enjoy a day of museum admission!

πŸ₯• Sunday, April 3 & 10
πŸ₯• 9 - 11 a.m.
πŸ₯• Tickets at https://www.sdmrm.org/easter
πŸ₯• Museum Members - contact us for your discount code!

We are expanding our hours πŸ•™ to select Wednesdays in March & April! Buy your admission tickets at https://tickets.sdmrm.org/e/san-diego-model-railroad-museum-2022 and join us for these extra days of fun.
Β‘Vamos! Let's go! 🎢 Music & Movement Day is this coming Sunday, March 20. We're happily hosting Diana of Songbirds Music for music & movement classes, along with arts and crafts around the museum.​

Music & Movement Family Day is included as part of museum admission.🎟️ Tickets at https://www.sdmrm.org/music-movement-family-day
One of the most popular elements in the museum is the O Scale trolley that travels across the Cabrillo Southwestern exhibit, from the San Francisco-esque city πŸŒ‰ to the county fair 🎠 Like a real trolley, this one gets its power from the electrical wires above it!​

πŸ“Έ Instagrammer, sandiegoadventurekids
Feeling sleepy today from springing forward? 😴 You can blame trains! πŸš‰β€‹

Time zones were created by railroad companies in the late 1800s. During World War I, the US introduced Daylight Saving Time to extend daylight hours, thus conserving fuel. After the war, DST wasn't recognized federally but was observed by some states, creating problems. The US Department of Transportation was given regulatory control of both time zones and a nationally recognized DST in 1966.
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