Old Town Model Railroad Depot

03/25/2021

Great news! We are now open Thursday - Sunday from 11am - 7pm. Get out of the rain today and pay us a visit. For more info: https://www.oldtowntrains.com/visit/

03/17/2021

We are happy to announce our reopening to the general public! The trains are running and the snow is still on the city side of our layout. Come enjoy it before it "melts" away in early April.

We are at limited capacity (25%) and masks are mandatory.

HOURS:
Friday - Sunday
11:00am - 7:00pm

ADMISSION:
Adults: $10
Kids (2-14): $5
Under 2: Free
Seniors / Military Discount: 10% off

We are also still offering our Private Experiences, so if you prefer to have the museum to yourself, please book a visit on our website.

To plan your visit: https://www.oldtowntrains.com/visit/

02/08/2021

Private Model Train Display | Old Town Model Railroad Depot

You can now book a Private Experience for you and your household (up to 6 people) on our website!

Reserve Now: https://bit.ly/3q34k2m
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Friday - Sunday | 11am - 7pm⁠
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Each private visit will last 45 minutes and you will have the whole place to yourself! Our staff will sanitize before and after each visit and everyone over 2 years old is required to wear a mask. This is the only way to see our trains in action as the museum remains closed to the general public.⁠

Reserve Now: https://bit.ly/3q34k2m
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Call us if you have any questions. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you for a retail visit or a Private Experience soon.

As of July 2nd, the Old Town Model Railroad Depot will be opening its model train museum and train gifts shop on a private reservation basis. Book now!

01/29/2021

Old Town Model Railroad Depot

Happy #InternationalPuzzleDay (1/29/21)- We've got a new shipment of puzzles and we are ready to celebrate. Shop our entire collection on our website.

01/27/2021

Did you miss us? We've got shipments of new inventory and we are ready to reopen! Our retail store is opening its doors again this Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 7pm. Come visit us, say hi, and pick up some new trains, puzzles, books, or toys. ⁠⠀
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Starting next week we will be open Friday - Sunday from 11am - 7pm.⁠⠀
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Unfortunately, our museum side remains closed. We hope to start those engines soon. ⁠Stay tuned!

01/13/2021

Our physical location is temporarily close, but you can still shop online!

Our doors are closed, but our love for trains is still here. For now, please visit our website to shop online. Your purchases will allow us to remain in business and welcome you back again when it is appropriate. ⁠
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SHOP: http://bit.ly/3oGxzHG
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Even though we are closed, we are still adding new inventory to our online shop.

12/24/2020

Merry Christmas! Santa is on his way. Hope all the good girls and boys (and grownups) out there get everything they wished for this year. Ho! Ho! Ho! 🎅⁠
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Even though our doors are closed for now, we are still thinking of you all and looking forward to seeing you in 2021.

12/17/2020

This weekend is your last chance to shop in person at the Depot. ⁠
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🎁 Open Saturday and Sunday, 11am - 5pm. 🎁 ⁠
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We will then be closing our doors till January. Stay tuned on social media for reopening updates.⁠
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Don't worry though, you will still be able to shop on our website: https://bit.ly/2KDXPmA

In fact, we appreciate every sale and all the support you can give us during this time.

12/09/2020

Looking for a train for around the Christmas tree? 🎄 We've still got a few sets left! Visit the link below to choose a beautiful train set that will last you for many years to come! ⁠

Shop train sets now: https://bit.ly/3gthG3Y

12/08/2020

CA lockdown update: Our museum is still closed and our retail hours will be reduced till the end of year. Scroll down for our open days/hours. Your support in-store and online is vital to our survival, so please take this time to shop local this holiday season! We appreciate it!⁠

Shop now: https://www.oldtowntrains.com/shop/
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Store hours:

Saturday 12/13: 11am - 5pm⁠
Sunday 12/14: 11am - 5pm⁠
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Saturday 12/19: 11am - 5pm⁠
Sunday 12/20: 11am - 5pm⁠
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We will be closed for the rest of December and hope to welcome you all back in 2021. ⁠
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#shoplocal #shoplocalsd #shopsmallsandiego #buylocalsd #traingifts

11/27/2020

Guess what? We have a Black Friday / Small Business Saturday / Museum Store Sunday / and Cyber Monday sale too! Pick a day this weekend and come visit us—online or in person—to take advantage of 15% off our entire store. Time to check off your gift list. Prices as marked.

Shop: https://www.oldtowntrains.com/shop/

Use code: HOLIDAYTRAIN15
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🎁 Trains 🎁 Toys 🎁 Books 🎁 Automobiles 🎁 Apparel 🎁 Home Goods 🎁 and more! ⁠
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Discount expires November 30, 2020.

11/26/2020

Today we look back at 2020 and express our thanks to all of you that have continued to support us through these difficult times. We are grateful for your understanding as we try to adjust along with the daily changes we face. Your generosity is what will get us through this. The best way to support us is to shop at our store (in person or online) and make a donation if you can:

https://www.oldtowntrains.com/donate/
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We thank you again from the bottom of our hearts.⁠
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Reminder: Our entire store is 15% off till 11/30.

11/11/2020

The State of California has moved San Diego into the Purple Tier. Per the new guidelines we are no longer allowing museum visits starting this Saturday. ⁠
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Our retail space will remain open at 25% capacity and we encourage you to stop in or visit our store online https://www.oldtowntrains.com/shop/. Your support of our retail space will help us continue to support our employees. ⁠
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If you made a Private Experience reservation, we will contact you and issue you a refund. ⁠
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We encourage everyone to continue wearing masks and following the guidelines so that we can all get back to doing what we enjoy the most—running and watching trains!

11/06/2020

Plan Your Visit

You can now visit our museum WITHOUT booking a Private Experience! We are limiting the number of people inside and following all state guidelines. Visit our website for hours and admission prices. ⁠

https://www.oldtowntrains.com/visit/
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If you prefer to book the whole museum for you and your group of up to 10 people, we are still offering Private Experiences. The museum will be sanitized before your visit and will include perks such as a private tour guide and a chance to run the trains yourself. These can be booked on our website. ⁠
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COVID-19 Update: We are monitoring San Diego's case numbers closely and will let you know of our status next week if we are moved back into the Purple Tier by the state.

11/02/2020

Have you spotted any of the polling places in our layout? Here’s one at our Dance Hall.

If you haven’t voted yet, this is your friendly reminder that tomorrow is Election Day. 🇺🇸 🗳

#election2020 #elections2020 #pollingplace #vote #vote2020 #modeltrains #modelrailroad #sandiegomuseum #sandiego #oldtownsd #oldtownsandiego #oldtowntrains

10/23/2020

Awesome Autumn! 36 Fantastic Fall Activities for Families

Looking for things to do this Fall? Check out Red Tricycle's top picks. Pay special attention to #26...it's US!! 🚂

Hay rides, corn mazes, festive events, and the best donuts and hot cocoa... we've got all the details that'll make you fall for autumn.

10/22/2020

See the trains in action!

Come see the trains in person! Book your Private Visit on our website: https://bit.ly/2G4YfQL

Reserve the whole museum for you and your group of up to 10 people. This is the only way to see the trains in action and your chance to take the controls and run the trains. We look forward to hosting your next outing. Choo choo!

10/16/2020

Train Engineer Role Play Sets | Old Town Model Railroad Depot - Old Town Model Railroad Depot

Looking for the perfect Halloween costume for your little train engineer? Look no further than this adorable Melissa & Doug Train Engineer set.⁠ Perfect edition to the dress-up chest for years of use.

Buy now: https://bit.ly/3lUDM0N

Don’t let the train leave the station without fully equipping your little engineer-in-training! Wearing this machine-washable overall smock and hat, complete with the requisite hammer and wrench, train schedule, walkie-talkie with sound effects and a name tag, your child is ready for adventures on...

10/04/2020

Ask any San Diegan what their favorite taco shop is and you will get a very specific answer. Ours happens to be Tippy's Tacos in our layout. The carne asada tacos are out of this world! ⁠
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If you haven't already celebrated #NationalTacoDay , now's the time! Let us know in the comments below what/where your favorite taco shop is. 🌮

10/02/2020

Old Town Model Railroad Museum

Check us out on FOX 5 San Diego talking about our special museum and our Private Experiences.

Book a visit: https://bit.ly/2G4YfQL

Here is your chance to have the museum all to yourself! You can book an interactive, 45-minute visit for you and your group (up to 10 people). We will sanitize between each group and provide you with a safe and wonderful experience. You will even have the opportunity to learn and run the trains on your own.

Book a visit: https://bit.ly/2G4YfQL

A look at a special museum experience right in the heart of Old Town.

10/01/2020

Happy #InternationalCoffeeDay! We've got our favorite mug ready to go this morning.

Browse our full selection of coffee mugs for the train lover in your life (maybe that's you!) See more: https://bit.ly/3jlwuSS

09/08/2020

📚 We are celebrating #InternationalLiteracyDay with some of our favorite books. What's your favorite train-themed book?⁠⠀

Shop all books on our website: https://www.oldtowntrains.com/product-category/books/⁠⠀

Reminder that our museum is open for Private Experiences! Don't forget to use coupon code "reopening 10" for $10 off your visit. Check our website for our open hours.

Book your Private Experience: https://www.oldtowntrains.com/private-experiences/

09/03/2020

San Diego museums cleared to reopen but most will take their time

Check out all the museum openings! Including us! We are thrilled to welcome visitors back again.

Book your Private Experience on our website: https://www.oldtowntrains.com/private-experiences/

Some will open their doors this week but many will stay closed for months

08/31/2020

Museum is reopening!

We've got fantastic news: our museum is reopening! Here is everything you need to know before you plan a visit. ⁠

Book a Private Experience: https://bit.ly/2G4YfQL
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Hours: 3pm–7pm, Thursday–Sunday.⁠
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Private Experience 🚂⁠
The only way to see our trains in action is to book a Private Experience. You will have the entire museum to yourself and your group (up to 10 people) for 45 minutes. The museum is sanitized between each visit. ⁠

Each Experience will include a private tour guide who will explain the art of model railroading, the history of our layout, and show you how the trains and features work. This is an engaging way to see the museum and a unique experience not to be missed—even if you have been to our museum before. ⁠
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Each Private Experience is $75 for the entire group. To celebrate our reopening, we are offering $10 off with coupon code "reopening10" if you reserve your booking by Sunday, September 6 on our website. The discount can be used for tours booked through the end of October 2020. Visit our link in bio to book your visit.⁠

Book a Private Experience: https://bit.ly/2G4YfQL
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Retail⁠ 🛍️⁠
We are open for retail. Please stop by during our open hours to view our selection of trains, toys, books, and train-related gifts. Due to restrictions, we are limiting the number of people we allow inside during retail visits. Unfortunately, our trains will not be running during retail visits, so if you wish to see the trains and the layout in action, you will need to book a Private Experience.

08/19/2020

Our retail store is finally open to visitors! We are happy to announce that our retail space is open Thursday - Sunday from 3pm - 7pm (check our website for the most up-to-date hours). Unfortunately, our museum is still closed and you will have to wait a little longer to see the trains in action. ⁠

Come take a stroll around Old Town with sidewalk seating for restaurants like Tahona and Trattoria Don Pietro. Come see everything that Old Town has to offer and visit our retail shop for a selection of toys, books, puzzles, and TRAINS!⁠
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Visit www.oldtowntrains.com to browse our online store. We offer online order pickups during our open hours.

08/08/2020

Meow! Look at this beaut! 😻 We are celebrating #InternationalCatDay with a look at one of the three hoppers that comes in our complete Lionel 3-rail O-gauge Chessie System hopper 3 pack, pre-owned. ⁠

More info: https://www.oldtowntrains.com/product/chessie-system-offset-hopper-3-pack/

08/07/2020

Happy #InternationalBeerDay 🍻 I can't help but chuckle every time I walk by this car in our museum. 😆 What's the funniest beer name you've ever heard? Comment below.⁠
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We are fortunate to have so many great breweries in San Diego and we can't let this post end without mentioning some of our favorites! If you are looking for something delicious to drink this summer, make sure to check out Modern Times Beer | North Park Beer Co. | Thorn Brewing | Border X Brewing | Pizza Port Brewing Co. | Eppig Brewing Waterfront Biergarten | Mike Hess Brewing Company North Park
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CHEERS! 🍺⁠

08/03/2020

We hear that camping is all the rage this summer. So, we decided to check in with some of the travelers in our layout. Looks like they are getting ready for a grand trip. ⛺ Enjoy the open road!⁠

07/27/2020

Old Town Model Railroad Depot

Accurail kits available! These easy-to-build HO scale plastic car kits feature a one-piece body with details molded in place. Decorated models feature authentic paint and lettering schemes with end reporting marks. Visit our website to browse our full selection.

07/24/2020

Padres opening day is finally here! Although we've had fun watching the baseball game in our layout for the last few months, we are kind of tired of no one scoring! We hope that the @padres first game is more exciting. Let's go Padres, let's go! ⚾ 🌭⁠

07/22/2020

The first Weinermobile was created in 1936 by Oscar Mayer's nephew, Carl G. Mayer. Every year, thirty final-round candidates are are interviewed at Kraft Foods and Oscar Mayer headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. Twelve "hotdoggers" in total are chosen. As of recently, around 300 people have served as drivers. Happy #NationalHotDogDay 🌭🌭🌭⁠
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Here is shot of Old Town Model Railroad Depot's very own Weinermobile. ⁠⁠

07/19/2020

Ice cream is amazing on any warm summer day. However, it's mandatory on #NationalIceCreamDay 🍦 Wish we could shrink right down and go enjoy some at Islay's Ice Cream Shop. 😎 ⁠

07/16/2020

Puzzles | Hobby Shop | Old Town Model Railroad Depot - Old Town Model Railroad Depot

Need a distraction? A way to checkout and relax for a while? We've got you covered with a great selection of train-related puzzles!

The Old Town Model Railroad Depot isn’t just a model train museum – it’s also one of San Diego’s best hobby stores! Shop train memorabilia and more here.

07/14/2020

Still need to file your taxes? The accountants at Cooks, Books & Hyde Tax Accountants are still open for business. 😉⁠⠀

07/09/2020

Closed, but still here... - https://mailchi.mp/oldtowntrains/closed-but-online