(About Our Club

General Club Information

We are a Sacramento-area club for model railroaders of all abilities and skill levels who enjoy any aspect of this exciting hobby. Our portable interchangeable modules interconnect to quickly set up a model railroad of variable size. Most modules can be fitted one to another due to our standardized shapes and electrical connections. The club also owns a large switching yard, corner modules, end loops, rolling stock and locomotives as well as the DCC (Digital Command Control) electrical system. The club uses primarily Train Control System’s (TCS) components to power our layout along with an NCE short circuit protector. Members own their own modules and their own rolling stock and locomotives. All eras and types of prototype equipment are welcome. Members create the scenery, trackwork and structures on their modules. Members are not required to own or purchase any equipment or modules.

During our operating sessions we use computer-generated waybills to direct pick up and delivery of rolling stock from the yard to businesses and industries, while passenger and special trains operate on the mainline. Club member Ross Wise developed and regularly updates/improves the waybill software. Trains are moved and shunted throughout the day just like a real railroad. An important rule at our operating sessions is that when members place their rolling stock and locomotives on the track, they become available for all members to use during that operating session. At our public sessions, long trains and unique locomotives often are run for the enjoyment of all. Our trains travel over more than 200 feet of double track main line with many passing sidings. Branch line and industrial trackage adds to the overall size of the Sacramento Central.

We can produce super lightweight modules at a very reasonable cost for interested members. The cost to the member is for supplies and materials and is based on the size of the module the member wants. The modules are assembled on a jig thus maintaining a standard length and assuring true 90 degree corners. By making many modules simultaneously, we are able to purchase hardware in large quantities at a discount and minimize waste which keeps the individual cost of the modules as low as possible. Our experienced modelers help our new module owners with construction, wiring and track installations. A basic member-owned module, measuring two by four feet, with frame and basic track, wiring and scenery can be carried and transported inside most vehicles. The level of scenery and amount of trackwork obviously can add to the overall cost of the module.

We typically model the Sacramento Valley‘s extensive and varied railroad prototype, although some modules depict areas outside of the Central Valley and even outside of California. As such, our modules vary from towns to mountains to river fronts and everything in between. Member’s talents and interests vary as well. Some members are focused on the steam era, others on the modern diesel era. Some members enjoy working with module scenery and others would rather detail a locomotive or tinker with DCC decoders using programmers and computers.

Visitors are welcome to attend our meetings and operating sessions, but only through prior arrangement. Please contact us through our contact page if you wish to visit one or our operating sessions. If you are interested in becoming a member, see below.

Interested In Joining Us?

Our club is an active fellowship of model railroaders with a mutual interest in HO scale model railroading. The club has existed for over 30 years. Today we are a non-profit historical-educational corporation and exhibit at an average of three or more public shows each year. At shows we operate model trains from different eras for guest’s entertainment and education. Our premiere public event is the International Railfair each November at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds. We are a co-sponsor and a lot of time and energy goes into this show. Our other public appearances vary from year to year.

Our group is always open to responsible new members! We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual preference, or disability. We have established an application procedure that provides time for you and the group to get acquainted. You may contact us to discuss any questions you may have regarding our expectations and requirements. If you like what we are doing, come join us; if not, thank you for visiting with us.

Our club is generally open to responsible new members with similar interests and energies. 

A person under the age of 18 may become an associate member if a club member is willing to act as his/her sponsor. The associate member may participate in club functions as their age and maturity allow. Associate members do not vote or pay dues. Sponsors accept full responsibility and liability for associate members including full adherence to all club rules. If you have any questions about joining our club or associate membership, feel free to contact us, and our Membership Chairman will contact you.