Mission
The mission of the Scottsdale Model Railroad Historical Society, Inc. is to promote the understanding of railroading through the creation of an artistic model in order to educate the public about railroading and the resulting transportation of people and goods that expanded and grew the United States of America.
An integral part of the Railroad Park, the Society displays HO (standard gauge) and HOn3 (narrow gauge) equipment, structures and scenic techniques.
History
The Scottsdale Model Railroad Historical Society began in 1968. Since it’s opening in 1975, the members have been meeting at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park now for over 45 years. The club’s layout features two railroads: Standard gauge trains in HO scale project Santa Fe operations in Arizona during the steam/diesel transition of the 50’s and 60’; and a second segment depicting in HOn3 - narrow gauge trackage of a one-time proposed route from Jerome through Flagstaff, then north to the Colorado coal fields
Railroads have contributed significantly to Arizona's growth and development for more than a century. The model that the club has built is a snapshot of Arizona railroading in the mid-1960s. You will see the towns and railyards that represent real communities from Flagstaff to Safford, including a major switch yard in Phoenix. The narrow gauge railroad runs between the historic mining community of Jerome to Flagstaff. There were several narrow gauge railroads operating throughout Arizona but none have survived to today. Our narrow gauge operation is representative of those of their era.
Authenticity and attention to detail are hallmarks of the Scottsdale Model Railroad Historical Society. Our club members enjoy bringing to life our miniature world of a real railroad. Everyone is working hard to make certain that even these model trains run on time and stick to the schedule!