The Twin Cities area features a number of excellent model railroad clubs and the 46th National Narrow Gauge Convention is excited to provide you an opportunity to visit a number of these clubs during our convention’s traditional afternoon self-guided layout tours. It is the convention committee’s desire that you are presented with a variety of viewing experiences and as is typical with many large model railroad club layouts, you will have the opportunity to see portions ranging from 100% completed to those under various degrees of construction. Hopefully you find these experiences enlightening and inspiring.
Newport Model Railroad Club
Scale: HO
Era/Locale: 1950 – 1969 Midwest
The ‘Newport Club’ models the transition period where both steam and diesel powered trains are run in a prototypical fashion through various Midwest towns. Railroads represented include the Chicago, St. Paul & Pacific, the Chicago & Northwestern, the Milwaukee Road, the Illinois Central and the Rock Island.
See more photos and details on Newport Model Railroad Club.
North Metro Model Railroad Club
Scale HO:
Era/Locale: Minnesota
The North Metro Model Railroad Club is a 64 member club that has a 5,000 square foot layout based on railroads in Minnesota. Major locations modeled include Fridley, St. Cloud, Staples, Duluth and more. The club was formed in 2010 and they focus on prototypical operations and realistic scenery.
See more photos and details on North Metro Model Railroad Club.
St. Croix Railroad
The St. Croix Railroad (SCRR) was founded in 1971 and its membership numbers several hundred people. It runs through approximately ten acres of beautiful wooded and rolling hill land.
Era/Locale: Beautiful wooded and rolling hill land
Scale: 7½ inch gauge, 4¾ inch gauge and a mixed gauge elevated track with 5, 4¾, 3½, 2½ and 1¼ inch gauges.
See more photos and details on St. Croix Railroad.