Annual Open House — Rochester Model Railroad Club

The Rochester Model Railroad Club is a not-for-profit club dedicated to the preservation, expansion and education of railroading, both model and full size. Its large HO scale layout, the Seneca Valley Lines, is loosely based on the operations and geography of the Lehigh Valley Railroad in the 1950s. The club opens it to the public during its annual open house.

The operator says visitors can see up to ten trains running at the same time on a 2,400-square-foot layout with 350 feet of double-track mainline, through detailed town and city scenes, plus a trolley line with cars running under overhead wire. Steam, diesel and electric locomotives pull trains reminiscent of the 1940s to today, and Thomas or one of his friends runs for the little ones. A model railroad equipment sale is held during the Saturday show.

The operator warns that the layout room is not wheelchair accessible.

Up to ten trains running at once on the 2,400-square-foot layout, a trolley line under overhead wire, Thomas and his friends for younger visitors, and a model railroad equipment sale on the Saturday only.

The club is in the basement of the First Universalist Church, 150 South Clinton Avenue, on the corner of Court Street, in downtown Rochester, New York. Admission is by donation, with a family maximum; children aged 12 and under are free. The layout room is not wheelchair accessible. The operator's page lists a nearby city-owned parking garage and other garages close by. Phone: 585-454-2567.