Garden State Model Railway Club, Inc.

Annual Open Houses

Viewers of all ages enjoy watching the trains!

Visit our 2008 Show Page.

Every year, the Garden State Model Railway Club holds an Open House for the enjoyment of the public. Unlike some clubs, this event is geared for both hobbyists and families. Not only will you see prototypical trains such as modern intermodal trains, coal drags, general freights, and passenger equipment, you will see our famous Santa Claus Express with various Disney and other movie characters for the children, not to mention Santa and his sleigh! This train has been popular with children since we first ran it back in 1993. These trains are pulled along the Garden State Northern mainline by a wide variety of steam and diesel locomotives. In 2001, we introduced Thomas the Tank Engine and his two coaches Annie and Claribel, another huge success. In 2002, Hogwart's Express from the movie Harry Potter ran along the GSN mainline. In 2002, we also began running the ICE Train, brought home from Germany by one of our members.

In addition to the Santa Claus Express and Thomas, a platform and even higher grand stand can be found in the room for the young children to view the trains from. We also have a working signal from the CNJ's Cranford Junction on the premises. Everyone has fun switching its colors. A history of this signal will soon be posted. In 2001, as an experiment, a small switching pike was utilized for children to operate. One of our members was kind enough to supply an old engine, which took a beating against the old Atlas bumping posts! Needless to say the children had a blast with that.

You can also purchase some snacks and a soda, or a hot cup of coffee and enjoy them while you watch the trains!

Our Open House, coincides with that of the O Gauge Model Engineers Railroad Club of North Jersey, located right next door! Combination tickets to view both Clubs during an Open House can be purchased either at the HO scale GSMRRClub or the O scale MERRCNJ for an additional, discounted fee.

Use the 2008 Show links on this page for the dates, times and other information about this year's show. As always, we thank you for visiting our Open Houses and for your continued support. We hope to see you again this year.

Visit our 2008 Show Page.

Father and Son watching a Passenger Train

A Father and Son look on together as a New York Central passenger train departs Perry station.

This young fellow gets his shot at the throttle during our show!

A young boy watches the Santa Claus Express pass a freight train.

Thomas the Tank Engine, pulling Annie and Claribel, makes a station stop at Perry during our 2001 Open House.

For dates, times, directions, or any other information:

E-mail Info@GSMRRClub.org. We will be happy to e-mail specific information to you.
Visit our 2008 Show Page.
Directions to the Clubhouse can be found here.