- Saturday and Sunday, September 15-16, 10am to 4pm
- Admission: $5/person (Ages 4 and under free)
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
- On site: Quick Dog Catering & Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Carts
LOS ALTOS, CA (July 25, 2018) –Train Days will return to the Los Altos History Museum for two days of train-filled fun celebrating the joy and wonder of model railroading September 15-16, from 10am-4pm both days. Elaborate layouts and intricate scenery greet visitors of all ages as scaled renditions of prototypes and whimsical engines and theme cars replete with steam, lights and sound speed the rails. Explore the gauges and scales associated with model railroading as private collectors and clubs showcase and field questions on the mechanics and electronics of their trains and layouts, and the history behind the locomotives and railroads that inspired them.
Participants include:
- Live Steamers from the Bay Area Garden Railway Society
- Diablo Pacific Short Line
- Golden Gate Lionel Railroad Club
- Golden State Toy Train Operators
- Peninsula NTRAK and AsiaNRail
- National Model Railroad Association, Pacific Coast Division
- Private Collectors: LEGO Layout
Joining the above is: Swanton Pacific Railroad and California Operation Lifesaver, who’ll provide education on proper rail safety, plus Train Days’ glitter tattoo station and train-themed marketplace will be in full gear, as Quick Dog and Baskin-Robbins serve up hot dogs and ice cream to keep scores of train enthusiasts satiated throughout the day.
In addition to N- through G-gauge models running the tracks, the National Model Railroad Association’s HO-gauge switching demo “The Timesaver” will be back by popular demand for visitors to try their hand at operating a model switch engine to move freight cars to locations around a freight yard.
“We’re delighted to celebrate Train Days’ tenth anniversary,” said Kristen Fuller, event chair. “What started as a small, one-time supporting event for a Museum exhibition, “Trains Mean Business,” has now evolved into a community-wide event that includes participants and friends from around the Bay Area that return year after year to enjoy trains and good times!”
“The success of Train Days over the last 10 years has really inspired the Museum. We are glad the community embraces events like Train Days that bring young and old together in a fun learning environment,” commented Dr. Elisabeth I. Ward, Executive Director of the Los Altos History Museum.
Trains are integral to the history of America. For over 150 years, rail service has been transporting passengers along the Peninsula, with Southern Pacific putting Los Altos on the map in 1907 when its steam railway connected Palo Alto to Los Gatos. Mirroring railroad development through the years, Train Days will highlight the transition from early steam locomotives to diesel engines up through electric and high-speed passenger trains—all scaled to miniature. The event draws diehard model railroad enthusiasts, as well as those new to what is considered one of the most beloved hobbies around the world.
The Los Altos History Museum began in 1977 with the opening of the J. Gilbert Smith House historic farmhouse, built in 1905. In 2001, the Los Altos History Museum opened its modern building next door, which houses the Museum’s collections, permanent and changing exhibits, store and administrative offices. The Museum and its grounds are available for rent during evenings and weekends. Its collections are owned by the City of Los Altos and are managed by an independent nonprofit organization, whose staff and volunteers are responsible for all programs and operations.
The Museum and J. Gilbert Smith House are open Thursday through Sunday, from noon-4pm. Admission is free. The gardens, outdoor agricultural exhibits and picnic area are accessible beyond Museum hours. For more information, go to: www.losaltoshistory.org, email hello@losaltoshistory.org, or phone 650.948.9427 x14.
Media Contact: Marketing@losaltoshistory.org
Los Altos History Museum: Elisabeth I. Ward, 650.948.9427 x10, eward@losaltoshistory.orgshistory.org
