I am travelling to these cities in a rapid, 2 week visit to the US, and I would love to take a look at the top attractions from Model Train standpoint in each of these places - any recommendations? Clubs, Museums, or even big shops will do! Thank you in advance for the recommendations. Kaustav
You need to go to the California Railroad Museum in Sacramento....not models, but more than worth your time
There is the Golden State Model Railroad Museum, in Pt Richmond (right on SF Bay), at the foot of the Richmond - San Rafael Bridge (I-580). The CA State RR museum in Sacto has a nice model exhibit, but the real fun there are the 1:1 models, including climbing in the cab of an AC-12.
Seattle proper doesn't have an MRR exhibits, but I'm guessing you can contact these folks and they can help you out for your intended travel period: https://www.facebook.com/unwclub/ http://www.bemrrc.com/ There also aren't many big shops. These guys are close to Seattle (http://www.theinsidegateway.com/), and probably the only really well stock train store still running. There are some great railfanning spots in and around the city, so make sure your camera is charged up!
There is a multi-scale model railroad display on the 2nd floor of the museum actually. Not a layout (there are a couple large-scale layouts though), but some trains behind glass cases.
Thank you everyone - very helpful information indeed! I am looking at all these places and chalking out a plan. Appreciate all the help.
I could use some help here to plan it ahead of time. I will be staying in Dexter Avenue N, West Lake area. Anything close by?
