9/11 Memorial Open House at the Carquinez Model Railroad Society - Passenger Trains on Parade

As part of our 25th national remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001, CMRS will be opening its doors for one of our most anticipated shows of the year: our annual Passenger Trains on Parade that supports our local first responders by donating the proceeds of this Open House to the Crockett Carquinez Volunteer Fire Department! Members will be digging into their collections, looking for the most beautiful, exotic, and emotive passenger trains to share with the public. They’ll be a couple of freight trains too, but September is when we put on our best show for passengers! CMRS has been a part of the Crockett community for over 20 years, and we are honored to help support our First Responders!

We’ll be open from 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, September 12, 2026. We’re located at 645 Loring Avenue in Crockett across from C&H Sugar. Admission is $5, with those under 16 free when accompanied by an adult. Visit us on-line at cmrstrainclub.org.

Our 36' x 60' HO scale model railroad (on three levels!) depicts the Southern Pacific/Union Pacific railroad from Oakland, across the Sierra Nevada mountains, to Sparks, NV. Our railroad allows you to walk alongside the trains as they journey from Oakland, up through Berkeley and Richmond, over to Crockett and Martinez, and across the bridge to Fairfield. From there, it’s a short trip up the stairs – the trains use a helix - to Davis, and on to Sacramento and Colfax. From there you wind your way across the Sierras arriving in Sparks, NV. Try our Scavenger Hunt – can you find all ten items as you walk along the railroad? A new addition is Big Foot, can you find him?

The trip is great, the scenery and detail are fantastic, our members are friendly, we’re happy to answer your questions, and you only need to come to Crockett! Make a day of it – check out Crockett and enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants. We’re looking forward to seeing you! And don’t forget to check out our Gift Shop!

Come and see what a great hobby model railroading is! It’s a fun and socially engaging endeavor. In addition to running trains during Open Houses, it’s building models and creating your own world, with a whole other dimension of simulating real-life train operations during monthly formal operating sessions! Think of it as a social multi-player role playing kinetic art form. We welcome new members and offer Youth, Senior, and Family memberships. Ask a member for more information. Membership has its rewards!

And if you can’t attend this Open House, our remaining Open Houses for 2026 are October 24-25, and December 5-6.

We hope to see you on September 12th for a special show!