Incredible O gauge model train layout. Admission is FREE! A donation is appreciated and if given you receive a voucher for an appetizer at the Mexican restaurant next door. A cant miss place - great for kids old and young!

Such a great place to bring the kiddos! Go, enjoy, donate and support local business.

Such a cute museum! It is free, they just ask for donations. The owner is very friendly and knows his stuff. The trains run constantly and there are tons of little buildings and people and little scenes set up. Great place for kids and adults

Drove one hour to come see one..yes ONE track and set up. Disappointing... My 2yr old was ok with it but me$30 later kinda wished I would have saved my money and time

This is an awesome spot. We stumbled upon the Old Town Model Railroad museum after eating lunch in Old Town. Free admission, they just ask for a donation which I would encourage you to make. $5-10 is well worth it. Our 3 year old son could have spent hours in the train museum. He loved it and it was impressive how much detail everything had. You definitely need to check this place out next time youre in Old Town. Check out more on YouTube / Alex & Erika

Great train layouts, and the rural and city scenes are amazing! The attention to detail is fantastic.

If you love model trains, and, really, who doesnt? This is the place to go if you are in San Diego. One of the model train layouts I have ever seen. Pay close attention to all of the scenes.

Such a cool place. You can view this exhibition for free, but donations are welcomed. Two moving trains go thorough a town, mountains, lakes, etc. Owner of this place did an outstanding job putting it together. We were really impressed.

This place is awesome. The guys that run it are EXTREMELY nice, very knowledgeable and its all kept going by donations. So, there is no fee to check it out, but throwing a couple bucks in their donation bin is WELL worth it. My son LOVES it. They also have train related items for sale if youre a fan or collector. A must visit while walking about Old Town.

This is a must if your in Old Town. My son loves trains and when I saw this I knew it was something we had to do. It wasn’t crowded at all I think I only one other family was there when we walked in. It’s free to go in but they do ask for a donation.One really cool thing is, they have little stands built at areas around the track where kids can stand up and watch the train pass by. My son loved it. I did hold his hands because he was so excited I thought he might reach out and grab the train.They have put a lot of work into that model and even if you don’t have kids you should walk through and appreciate the hard work they have put in.I recommend this stop to anyone in the area and if you passing close by and have kids that love trains I would advise you to go out if your way to see it.

Very well done! There is so much to see here from the county fair in the small town to a very detailed big city complete with fireworks at the baseball game! My son and i loved it.

Beautiful trains. Loved watching the fantastic display. Very very nice.

Must stop if you enjoy dioramas. Well made. Its free ofcourse you donate if you can. Kids enjoyed this 30min walkaround.

This was a fun and quick stop. I loved that it was free too. We left a donation anyway. So many cute and funny details on the train sets. Dont miss big foot!

Great staff and amazing diorama.

WOW! A must-see if youre in Old Town. The layout is amazing! Day in the Country and Night in the City. So many funny, clever, and punny details. Before we knew it, wed spent an hour enjoying all the work and the sights. Donations keep the place open, so please be generous.

Very cute model railroad. Guy working the desk said he built it and its free with a donation box.

My kids absolutely love this museum. They dont charge an entrance fee, but leave a donation because it is worth it. They have stools for the little ones to see easier, interactive buttons, scavenger hunts within the layout, and very knowledgeable staff!

Super fun and adorable especially if youre into trains

Its hella cool

Every kids, (and adults) dream is to have a model train set on this scale. Amazing installation with incredible attention to detail. Well worth a visit!

Amazing place to visit!Take ur kids, come as an adult you will be shocked at the detail and liveness of this two building model city. There is two trains that run one is a steam train and blows smoke.Free admission, they run on sales and dontations so please buy or donate to help them stay open!!!Thanks for the chance to visit we loved it and all the hidden thing you shared that were in the town lol!

This place.is.amazing. Lots of details and super friendly people. Its also a great place to get questions answered about model railroading.

Very enjoyable! Loved how they set this up! Model train lovers paradise!

Its small, but it is very cute. Only 2 trains running. The kids loved it. Runs on donations.

Trains dont work

My wife and I came into the Old Towne Model Railroad Depot today and it was truly a wonderful experience! The sets and the trains were fantastic. We Love Trains and it’s a fun place to visit when you are in the area. Thank you again for sharing to the friendly and amazing staff there! :)

A great gem. We traveled 90 miles out to the state park and this was on the top of our visit list. We were not disappointed and my son fell in love. We loved spotting the vintage logos and franchises, my favorite was the Bethlehem Steel display. If my son could he would spend all day there. Admission is free but remember to donate.

Wow wow wow. The most meticulously detailed train set I’ve ever seen. The way it’s separated into a day and a night section is amazing. I could spend hours here because it’s that relaxing and adorable. They even have a train set drive-in playing a movie! Too much. Also, the gentleman working there was super sweet. No cost. But donations accepted. We bought a train print for $8.00. What a deal.

Awesome place to visit. The train model was very detailed. Definitely one of the best I have ever seen. The owner was extremely courteous and super awesome!. An exhibit he could easily charge for but chooses not to. He even offered us coupons to Cafe Coyote. Such a awesome visit!

We loved this place. Its amazing like a miniature city

Super sweet owners and very helpful. Definitely a place to go see. They even had a cool scavenger hunt. The boys had a blast.

This place is amazing one of the coolest model train sets I have ever seen. My son who loves trains would have stayed there all day if we didnt make him leave. Another big bonus is its also free!

Model train layout good scenery. No cost to view, donations accepted.

Stopped in to check out it to see if my grandson would like it! It was great! Definitely go! Well worth your time.

This is a fun place for kids and adults. Allie 30 minutes. Take your time or youll miss the funny details. The host pointed some out I wouldnt have seen on my own. Donation based.

We stumbled upon this place while touring Old Town. It is well put together display. 2 train sets run through the model. One is so long you wonder how the engine pulls it! It is divided up into day and night. Very interesting with people on the trains and through out the city scene. It is worth checking out. And it is free! A red donation box by the door so they can keep the doors open.

Great place to take kids while in Old Town San Diego. They run on donations, so give what you can. The best thing is that its air conditioned! Haha

This place is incredible the people running this place are dedicated to what they do, each time my wife and I visit, there is something new to see. There is great nostalgia brought to mind when seeing all the models set up for display.

Model builder is also the owner. Very nice man. So much detail goes into his work. And there are some hidden American icons that you have to find

Place is very cool. Great model city, lots of details and working parts. You continue to see fun little details as you walk through.

Excellent Lionel model railroad layout that you can walk around. No cost to get in but they do ask for donations.

We loved it, everything looked so real on old u.s. hwy 101

My son loves this! Its a great place to take little ones. It doesnt cost anything, although there is a donation box at the end, and it doesnt take long to see. Impressively detailed set up, and there are a lot of funny scenes and plays on words on the model signs to spot.

If you love or enjoy model trains you have to go to this place. The trains are amazing but that does not compare to the town that is builded around the trains. There is the country view then go to the other room and you have a city view. The trains run in both areas none stop. The detail to roads buildings and people cannot be given justice in words. This is a museum of model trains and landscape they build for this display. You have to go see this!

Incredible place. Hugely entertaining, but hurry. Sadly after5+ years they are closing end of November

Lovely place, if you like trains.

Great little train layout. Lionel trains and such.

You’re better off visiting the San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park.Nice place to visit with cool trains and a nice guy who runs the place, but despite an advertised “free admission”, as I walked out the door, I was stopped and told “you have to make a donation”. Their website declares, “As crazy as it may sound, we dont have an entrance fee”, and signs inside the building *suggest* donations of $5/person, but unless I was mistaken, nothing I saw bound me to making a donation or paying for admission. In fact, we were greeted warmly by the owner as we walked in the door (with no mention of compulsory donations), but we were stopped and told to make a donation as we left.I don’t mean to say that I *wouldn’t* have made a donation if it was required; I sympathize with those who keep this place running, as it isn’t cheap. A sign inside lets visitors know the Depot incurs over $9000 in expenses monthly, and obviously the owner isn’t running this place for charity. Usually though, places like these don’t rely on the kindness of their patrons to make donations, and have an entrance fee to cover their costs.It’s disreputable at best and disgraceful at worst to mislead visitors into believing they will be visiting for free, only to make an about-face and charge visitors *as they leave*, with no option to decline less they be accosted further by the owner.For the money you’re spending here, you would have had a better time at the Balboa Park Model RR museum; there at least they won’t shake you down as you leave.

This place will bring out the kid in you.

Outstanding setup. But when leaving My family was asked to leave a donation, and my father politely declined due to a lack of cash on hand. That’s when the man at the desk said “have a great day, and don’t come back.” Really discouraged me from ever visiting again considering I had donated on a previous visit by purchasing an overpriced hat at their gift shop. Would recommend the establishment charges rather then get angry at people for visiting without donating. It appears there’s a few reviews on here that replicate my experience.

Cooler than I thought it would be. Surprisingly one of the most fun places on our trip. Dudes working there love their trains.

Really fun place the gentleman that works there is very polite I most definitely will be returning

Great place to visit, will be shutting down Nov 30 dont miss out on this San Diego wonder.

Its awesome that its free. Has a nice big town/track with a night and day section. Wish they had more than just 2 trains going at that time. My 4 year old son loved it and didnt want to leave

Really recommend that for any railroad model lovers

What a great RE setup but see it quickly because it closes on November 30th 2019 forever.

Old Town ....I hope everyone comes out here..lots of walking and cantinas to do some heavy drinkin..just awsome..plenty of things to see and do...buy your gifts to take back home..there is something for everyone...D Third Eye ...says ..thank you for viewing

Great place,

A unique incredible and cozy place, its free, only a small donation is welcome...on your way out..my son loves it, great for big and small kids.

Great models of past events, such as Elvis at a theater for a showing of his picture, or a 5-alarm fire (well done) of the IRS building....All trains are done in O scale....GREAT for family and friends.

Very cool place, never have seen a train exhibit as extensive as this one, make it a must see on your visit to old town. It is free but leave a donation as it is well worth a few dollars.

JERKS work here. If you dont have money the owner will insist you donate by credit card. If you dont he gets irritated and says some rude things to you. There really isnt much here. I Would not call it a Museum. STAY AWAY!!!

Loved this place. Railroad display fantastic.

This was the most unexpected find while walking Old Town San Diego. Seeing the details and passion that went into creating this mini city is pure joy! This collection makes me want to be a kid again :)

VERY REALISTIC, lots of track trains and little figures to make it amazing. Best place to take your kids.

A place brimming with humor kids wont get, but wont notice.

This place is really neat for young and old people to see an awesome operating model railroad train. Theres no admission, but tips are very appreciated.

This place is a hidden gem, in old Town and every kid will love it and adults will enjoy all the hidden humor.

An awesome free train museum, my son loved it but reading the signs on the model buildings made for a good laugh too. Worth the stop

A fun place to visit if youre in the area. A lot of time went into making this town and railroad. So many small details to enjoy. We brought our two toddlers here and they LOVED it!! Its free to get in but they do have a place to donate money if you so choose.

A must see in Old Town. Amazing place. I cant go to old Town without taking my son here. The staff is super friendly and the entire operation functions on donations only. I always leave a ten or more as my son is in love with this place. A definite must vistit for train enthusiast or anyone at all really.

Great attention to detail. My 2 year old didnt want to leave.

Second time coming here, First time was nice the gentlemen who talked to us wasnt pushy about money and this time we wont be going back. You say donations but then u make ppl pay atleast 5 dollars !! Thats making ppl think its free when really isnt! Thats not right!! We wont be back!

Love the atmosphere! Great scenery and people in Old Town.

So cute and excellent customer service!

We loved it, even brought our grandkids back to see it. It is amazing and unbelievable the details in it. The gentlemen who run it are so nice and informative. I hope they get enough donations to keep it going. It is a master piece, something the children today dont see much of. They were fascinated by it, ages 4 and 8. Thank you.

Beautiful and lovely place with friendly people. If you around make sure to visit

Interesting and very unique large display! Very large Railroad working model sets with extreme attention to detail and historical information and signs. Was pleasantly surprised. Family friendly. Highly recommend for a visit.

Doesnt look like much from outside but dont be fooled. This model railroad is amazing! You cant see it all in one trip. Admission is free but they do ask for donations to help keep this place open.

Really nice setup but the trip was spoiled by the older rude guy at the door. My kids were indeed a bit excited and instead of talking to me he thought it best to yell at them. Then he ordered my daughter to not press any more buttons. She was just trying to make the trains move.Finally on the way out he said youre making a donation, right? In a very rude tone.I was already planning to because I figured there are more people involved in this operation and he maybe is just the help. But now I wish I didnt. After reading other feedback, it seems he is the owner and is just too rude for me to recommend. Its a shame because the model railroad setup was spectacular.

The details in this miniature train model were amazing! I need to go back because Im sure there was a lot I didnt see. The owner was very friendly and took time to show us things we missed!

Amazing place to stop into while in Old Town. Everything inside is wonderfully constrcuted and makes you feel like you are in a little town. The staff is very knowledgeable and know alot about old town itself. Admission is free but tips are appreciated.

Amazing museum! Require a voluntary donation so be aware. Unfriendly docent.

This place is amazing! So many fun details in the two-storefront sized display. Even our too-cool teenager had fun. $10 requested donation per family. Cant beat it!!

This place is pretty amazing and highly recommended for families to visit, with or without kids. Its free to enter (donation through donation box is optional) and enjoy the large miniature train setups with many cool landscapes, buildings, cool lighting, bridges, miniature cars and peoples etc. My family enjpyed it so much, we happily provide some donation at the end. Excellent job by the owner whose passion for miniature trains really showed through this oil exhibit. Thank You for letting enjoy this.

If you are into model trains or cityscapes, this is the place to be.

Took my two-year-old son here during the Cinco de Mayo festival. You can spend hours wandering around Im looking at all the different trains and town setups.

An Incredible sight to see! Extremely captivating.Very friendly and welcoming. It is absolutely Remarkable to see their train display. Photos truly do not do it justice. You will not regret taking the time to go down in person to walk through and enjoy it. My husband, son, daughter and myself fully enjoyed it! From every angle there is a story to imagine and see. We were inside admiring and viewing the wonderful country side, and city life they have set up inside for at least 30 minutes. A must see!

Fun place with well designed models. Super friendly staff.

There train layouts are absolutely wonderful. So many things to see. We enjoyed scene the building with shotgun Tom Kelly in it. It shows the billboard with him on it and it also shows him getting his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This is a store that you must see in Old Town.

The train and city set up was neat to look at. Customer service was not great. They tell you the tour is free and they only ask you make a voluntary donation at the end. However, if they feel that you are going to leave without making a donation, they are very vocal about it and shame your for not making one.

I remembered we just went in and out because it was claimed to be free. However, a mad woman chased us out and yelled at us for not donating. There really wasnt much to see but still impressed by their hospitality. It seems like their routine if you read other reviews.

This was a great trip. The gentlemen who setup the museum and run it are very informed and friendly. They truly enjoy what they do. There is a donation box please be generous

Very impressive model! Train-loving kids would never want to leave. The gentleman at the entrance is very hospitable and friendly!

Fantastic display with very interesting landscapes. The owner was very informative and polite.

Pretty sweet set up. Actually jealous of the huge collection. The subtleties in the word plays of the towns buildings was quite adorable.

What a pleasant find. could easily spend an hour examining all the details of the exhibit.

Very well done model train layouts. The night time city layout is fantastic! Very helpful staff and no charge for admission (donations accepted).

Incredible! The level of detail and creativity is above and beyond. Every time we drive on down to old town San Diego we make sure to spend some quality time here. What a treat!!! Not to mention the curator is such a cool guy, make sure to stop and chat with him if you get the chance. A+++