modelrailoads

We are seeking individuals to help construct both HO and N scale layouts. All are invited to become members of the Tri-City Society of Model Engineers and help with all aspects of modeling the area railroads. Experienced modelers as well as enthusiastic newcomers with an eagerness to learn are encouraged to help with the new layouts. If you have an interest in layout planning, bench work, wiring, track laying, scenery, or railroad operations, we welcome your participation as a member of the TCSME.

The new layouts are prototypically based in Niles and the surrounding communities of the Bay Area. Attention will be given to accuracy and detail in both the track plans and surrounding scenery. The modeling era will be the mid-1970s, but all industries and towns will be represented as they were in their prime.

The HO scale layout features the Southern Pacific mainline from Niles to San Jose with the many industries in Niles, Newark, Union City and other intermediate communities, as well as both Southern Pacific and Western Pacific lines through Niles Canyon to Pleasanton and Livermore. San Jose Diridon Station is featured as the model railroad’s large passenger terminal.

The N scale layout will feature the SP and WP mainlines from Niles to Oakland with intermediate communities such as Decoto, Alvarado and Hayward. Oakland 16th St. Station will possibly be the layout’s large passenger terminal.

Our goal is to provide visitors to the Passenger and Freight Depots with the history of the area through the model railroads. With the Southern Pacific, the Western Pacific, the South Pacific Coast and the many industries they served, the choices of what to model are almost limitless. Consider that the area had everything from quarries to brick works to packing sheds to salt works to automobile manufacturing to steel production – to name only a few. The opportunity to model the prototypes is limited only by your interest in doing so.

The Niles Western

The focus of the new layouts is Southern Pacific and Western Pacific, but our old fictitious railroad, the Niles Western, was what started it all when we were at the old Niles Depot site on Mission Boulevard.

Just for fun, here’s a look back at the NWRR with pictures of the old HO scale layout and a complete history of Jebidia Niles’ dream to connect the East Bay to Stockton.

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Tri-City Society of Model Engineers, Inc.
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Join Us In

Exciting New

Model Railroad

Opportunities

Join Us In

Exciting New

Model Railroad

Opportunities

Hours of operation and location:

The model railroads are currently being constructed so there are no regular operating hours during this time. Work nights are Fridays around 7:30 p.m. and they are open to perspective new members and the public. If you are interested in joining the TCSME, please stop by on a Friday night or call (510) 797-4449 or e-mail us.

The Tri-City Society of Model Engineers’ Model Railroads are located at 37592 Niles Boulevard in Fremont, California, at the Niles Town Plaza.