Top 5 Model Rail Roads in the World

From the early 1870s, the model railroads construction and operations in the USA had profound impacts on the country both socially and economically.

Perhaps the rise of industrial America was highly dependent on the development of railroad networks that not only allowed people to travel along with the country but played an important role in the quick transportation of the goods. The importance of railroads was also realized during the civil war and reconstruction.

So trains have been an important part of people’s lives for a long. It was one of the most popular ways of transportation in the history that lead Marklin Company in the USA to make model trains sets. These trainsets were meant to be placed under Christmas trees. Looking at the huge interest shown by the company in these tiny models, many companies started to make different versions of the model train for the kids. It was one of the most popular kids’ toys as well many people adopted model trains collection as a hobby. These hobbyists even started building miniature railroads that exhibit real life-like structures and scenes. Many of these later turned into railroad miniature wonderlands.

Today, there are a number of large scale miniature wonderlands throughout the world that attracts thousands of visitors every day.

Here we have listed the top 5 miniature railroad wonderland where you can visit and have a memorable time.

Northlandz NJ, USA

One of the largest in America, that was once listed in the Guinness book the world record, New Jersey's model railroad miniature wonderland is a massive display. Started by Mr. Bruce Zaccagnino in his house`s basement along with his wife Jane, it is now housed in a purpose-built building that offers plenty of interesting attractions for the visitors. You walk through a massive display of different lifelike scenes that have around 8 miles of railroad track with 100+ model trains running over it. With a total layout size of 52000 square feet, you will also see massive steel train bridges, 1000+ miniature buildings, waterways, mountains and tunnels etc. In addition to that, there is a museum of handmade dolls and an art gallery that has many amazing paintings. There is a big hall for companies who want to arrange their corporate events as well as it`s kids favorite place for birthday celebrations.

Northlandz NJ, USA

Miniature Wunderland , Hamburg , Germany.

This is a large scale miniature wonderland is currently listed in the “Guinness Book of the world record” as the largest in the world. It has around 50,000 feet of railroad track with around 900 miniature trains running over it. In addition to that, there is a miniature airport with taxiing planes, moving firetrucks, police cars and city streets. You will see planes from different airlines landing and taking off from the airports. These massive displays have automated controls movements that pretty much look like the real world.

Image result for Miniatur Wunderland , Hamburg , Germany.

Miniature Wunderland , Hamburg , Germany

Roadside America, Shartlesville, Pennsylvania

Roadside America is a historic miniature railroad display that was first started in 1935. Built by Laurence Gieringer at his home that was later opened for public. As he continued adding more displays, the railroad grew and was moved to a larger space. With over 8,000 square feet, hundreds of miniature buildings, waterfalls mountains, a little statue of liberty, it is a great attraction for the people who want to see the historic side of US railways.

Roadside America, Shartlesville, Pennsylvania

Hara Model Railway Museum, Nishi-Ku Japan.

One of the most stunning creations among all, Hara Model Railway Museum is one of the best miniature wonderlands in Japan. Parts of the collections were built by a train enthusiast Nobutaro Hara, who started working on railroad displays in the 1930s and continued working throughout his life. Around 1000 miniature trains from the founder`s collection run over 1,500 feet of track. Many of the trains are powered by miniature overhead power lines, just like real lifelike trains.

Hara Model Railway Museum, Nishi-Ku Japan

San Diago Model Train Museum, San Diago, California.

This relatively medium sized model train museum in San Diago is managed by four model railroad clubs. Established in 1982, it is based in Balboa Park, covering around 27,00 square feet of indoor space. There are four different parts of these displays, each of the one is managed by different railroad club.