Page Updated June 21, 2009
Today, there are literally thousands of railroad and model railroad sites on the web. We cannot list all of them here. The best source to locate these sites would be at the NMRA site listed below or visit one of the webrings we belong to. They are located at the bottom of the home page. The sites we are listing showcase the working railroads and model railroad scene in Arizona. I include sites from other parts of the country and the world as well to showcase others that have sites that are nicely done, current and show off the great work done by others.
Note, the web master's of these sites put in hours & hours of work to make their sites look nice and work right. Be kind and give them feedback about their site.
New Sites
About.com model railroad resource:
A new site on the About.com system. Lists clubs, vendors and has information that both that all covers needs from beginners to the masters. Well done and growing. Author has interests in several scales including TT.
Aeromoe's Guide to Railfanning the BNSF Peavine:
A very extensive site about railfanning the BNSF Peavine line in Arizona.
Alaska Model Railroad News:
An index page full of interesting real, model & even garden railroad information. Scroll down to see links to visit. Includes Yukon & White Pass.
The All Gauge Page:
Got some Marx trains? Got S gauge or TT? This is your website. HO, O, G here too. Tips and hints on many levels.
The Arizona & Pacific Railroad:
A Peoria AZ layout using 16" gauge rails.
Arizona and Southwest Model Railroad Society:
Also know as Tucson NTrak. An N scale club in Tucson. Very large NTrack layout. Check out the video.
Arizona Big Train Operators:
A site about those who run the big G scale trains
Arizona Model Railroading Society (AMRS)
Large club organization modeling N, HO, O, and G scales.
AuroTrains Model Rail Road Movies:
Over 7 hours of real and model railroad videos. Nicely done.
The Big Island Railroad:
A what if railroad based on the big island of Ohau. A very nicely done layout and a good example of how you can have a layout of an area that may not have trains.
Bill's Railroad Empire:
A very well done site about Bill's own N-Scale layout and well as a TON of good sites to visit.
Bitter Creek & Western Railroad:
The Bitter Creek Western Railroad (BCWRR) is a privately owned 7.5-inch gauge railroad in Arroyo Grande, CA operated for the benefit of children of all ages who enjoy playing trains.
Central Arizona Model Railroad Club:
A round robin style club based in the Prescott AZ area. A multi scale club.
Cochise & Western Model RR Club
Sierra Vista, Arizona club models in G, HO N scales. Meets Mondays at 7:00 PM at 680 N. Fort Ave.
Elias Valley Railroad:
Club member Dean Preising's web site for his Elias Valley Railroad.
Flagstaff Model Railroad Club
The NMRA-registered Mountain Pacific Lines (MPL) layout. Three scales modeled: HO, N, HOn3. Weekly meetings for club projects and train operations. Visitors always welcome every Tuesday night after 7:30.
Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum:
A non-profit group in Tucson AZ dedicated to the hobby of model railroading with an interactive museum of operating toy train layouts and displays.
Galveston Model Railroad Club:
A multiscale club in Galveston Texas.
Grand Canyon State Model Railroaders:
A modular HO club that is mainly located in the east valley.
Guide to Arizona's Miniature Railroads:
A web page sponsored by The Arizona & Pacific Railroad, lists large scale railroads in Arizona you can visit.
Hobby.net:
Another excellent source for gathering model railroad info.
Los Angeles Model Railroad Society:
The Los Angeles Model Railroad Society (LAMRS) is a non-profit California corporation made up of a diverse group of model railroad enthusiasts of many ages, professions and backgrounds.
Maricopa Live Steamers
Live Steam construction and operation at Adobe Mountain Railroad Park.
The Meadows & Lake Kathleen Railroad:
An 18' gauge layout in Oregon. Lots of love and hard work a layout to be seen!
Miniatur Wunderland:
Says they are the worlds largest layout and I thing they are right. Although located in Hamburg Germany much of the text is in English. They have a US section. Very much worth a visit.
The Model Railroad Club Inc.:
A nicely done web site that covers several gauges including garden.
Model Railroad Directory:
A newer resource to locate model railroad clubs and information.
Model Railway Trains:
A new site with some good articles.
Pebble Creek Model Railroad Club:
A multi-scale model railroad club in Goodyear Arizona.
Peter & Mary Jane Atonnas - Paulden AZ Layout:
A member of the Central Arizona Model Railroad Club with O-Gauge layouts and very good rail fanning pictures.
Santa Susana Railroad Historical Society:
A HO club out of Simi Valley CA. Extensive well done site.
Short Line Model Railroad Club:
A club located in the retirement community of Sun Lakes AZ. No web site yet but click on the link to e-mail the president.
Slater Mill Limited:
A site featuring Florida railroading and Svea's future layout which he plans to start soon. Check out the guest book. Has links to some other sites of interest.
Southern Arizona Society of Model Engineers (SASME):
Twenty Five year old club (HO) actively promotes the hobby.
Southern Pacific Caboose 1353:
A site showing the efforts of Nathan Paul to restore an SP caboose number 1353.
Strasburg Model Railroad Club:
A club in Pennsylvania but check out the pictures under 'Members Layouts' then at the bottom, click on Bill Rose. Worth the visit.
Stevensville, Eastport, & Central Valley RR:
A very nice N scale layout in Mesa AZ.
Sun City West Model Railroad Club:
Home of the Agua Fria Northern Railroad.
Sun N' Sand (N scale modular group)
The oldest N scale modular group in the United States.
Texas Northern Model Railroad Club:
A HO club in Texas, check out the grass fire. Very neat.
Thunderbird Model Railroad Club
One of Arizona's oldest and most prestigious Model RR's.
Train Collectors Association - Desert Division:
Train Collectors Association Desert Division is One of the World's Largest and Most Prestigious Collecting Societies. The Desert Division serves Arizona, New Mexico and West Texas.
Tucson Garden Railway Society:
A garden model railroad club in Tuscon.
Tucson Was a Railroad Town:
A book about the Southern Pacific Railroad in southern Arizona.
Worlds Greatest Hobby:
Need to find a club in your area? Need help on something? This site has a large source of knowledge to help everyone from a beginner to expert.
Yuma Model Railroaders:
A club in the Yuma Arizona area.
Model Railroad Vendors
These sites are listed for you convenience so that you might more easily find model railroad suppliers. These sites are not an endorsement by Arizonarails.com or the Ponderosa North Model Railroad Club. We do encourage shopping the local shops whenever possible. Thank you.
An Affair With Trains:
A good west valley store that remodeled and expanded in late 2006.
Arizona Train Depot:
An east valley shop for all scales.
Can Stock.com:
Site listing many good railroad photos for sale.
Dale Pierce Railroad Videos:
Has videos for sale including some from the valley.
Dogpatch and Western:
Home of the easy build cabosose. Want a caboose of your own? This is the place to go.
E-Toy Trains:
A web site dedicated to getting the little ones into trains.
Eaglewings Iron Craft:
Makers of prefab & custom ironworks for large scale model railroading.
Fifer Hobby Supply:
N scale hobby shop in Las Cruces NM that not only sell via the internet but also has a nice N-scale layout.
The Freight Yard:
A new hobby shop located in north Phoenix serving the N and HO scales. Offer custom painting and decals.
Glue-It.Com:
Shop, club and museum listings for all forms of model making along with articles and glossaries.
Litchfield Station:
A Northern Arizona and Phoenix area store which specializes in DCC.
Micro-Mark:
A company that specializes in all kinds of tools and items to make your modeling easier and more fun.
Model Tech Studios:
Manufacture of a very distinctive line with many different modeling ideas to help improve layout making. Covers N HO S and O Scale. Our product lines include super detailing parts, creative & detailed architecture, 3D backgrounds, Rolling stock & pre-finished designs.
Model Train Help BLOG:
Not only does Robert have a very through model railroad help book he sells but also does a daily BLOG. Everything from simple notes in railroad history to links of other model railroad sites with tips or just neat to visit.
Roy's Train World:
Nothing but trains since 1974.
Task Board:
Task Board, Model making cardboard, architectural models, railroad models, dioramas, doll houses, War Games Miniatures and craft projects.
Train Aids:
An on line site to fill some of your electrical needs. LED's, mirco switches, small screws, conductive paint, etc.
4449.com:
Here is a site worth looking at. It is the home page for the world famous 4449 Southern Pacific's late remaining functioning Daylight train. This train was in the movie Tough Guys. Site has lots of links with outstanding pictures & tributes.
About.com model railroad resource:
A new site on the About.com system. Lists clubs, vendors and has information that both that all covers needs from beginners to the masters. Well done and growing. Author has interests in several scales including TT.
Alaska Model Railroad News:
An index page full of interesting real, model & even garden railroad information. Scroll down to see links to visit. Includes Yukon & White Pass.
American Association of Private Railroad Car Owners:
American Rails Forums:
A new website designed and put together to discuss and talk about any and all aspects of railfanning/railroading.
The Arizona-California Railway
Former Santa Fe line, the A-C interchanges with BNSF at Matthie (near Wickenburg) then heads west to Parker, AZ across the Colorado River and on to Cadiz, CA where once again it interchanges with BNSF. Now part of Rail America.
Arizona Eastern Railway Company (AZER)
The Arizona Eastern Railway Company is one of eight freight and scenic short line railroads owned by StatesRail, a short line railroad holding company headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
Arizona Eastern Railway Company (AZER) is a 135-mile railroad acquired from SPT in 1988. The line runs from Miami to Bowie, Arizona where it connects with UP. Its primary customer is Phelps Dodge, which produces copper cathode and related materials. AZER also performs all industrial in-plant switching for Cyprus Miami. AZER has a fully equipped locomotive repair and maintenance shop. Now part of Rail America.
Arizona: Main Line / Short Line
Ted Ellis has posted some great photography displaying the transcontinental main lines and the short lines of Arizona.
Arizona Rail Passenger Association
Citizens organization to promote rail transport in Arizona.
Arizona Railway Museum:
A large railroad museum right here in the valley, Chandler to be exact. Run on volunteers and donations. Good size collection of engines & cars. A very large & extensive collection of pictures including the 'Hattie B.' & the Legend City 4-4-0 for those old enough to remember.
The Catskills Archive:
While it deals with railroading in the Castskills Mountain area there are a number of very interesting links. Articles on a Shay engine and check out the oddities page. Wild railroad ideas and experiments.
The Chief Way:
John Kelly Benner has a very very impressive site. Fantastic and stunning photographs of the ATSF and BNSF. A site that should not be missed.
Colorado Railroad Museum:
A railroad museum in Golden Colorado.
Cruising By Rail:
Rent a private railroad car and ride the rails behind an Amtrak train.
Dark Roasted Blend: Cool Road-Rail Vehicles:
Weird name but some really cool pictures of hi-rail vehicles both new and old. Worth a look
Desert Rails - Photography
Fantastic Arizona Scenery combined with great railroad photography. Relax in front of your screen, sip a cold one, and take it all in.
Don's Depot:
An extensive listing of all types of railroads from all over the world. Looking for a short line railroad? Good place to start looking.
Ghosts Of The Southwest
A study, focusing on the topography, of the El Paso & Southwestern Railroad from Douglas, Arizona to El Paso, Texas.
Interactive Mapping of US Railroad Attractions:
An interactive site that points out railroad attractions through out the US. They also have a page dedicated to Amtrak too. Click here for that page. Also a hobby shop finder.
Iowa Hirstorical Society/Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad:
One of the few railroad museums in the world operating diesel, electric, and steam equipment, but they have a variety of each type of motive power as well. Alco, EMD, GE, and GMD are all represented in their diesel fleet.
Karrel's Double K Ranch:
A bed & breakfast with a railroading twist. Spend the night in a refurbished SP caboose.
Legend City:
A web site dedicated to Phoenix's only amusement park. Home to the Legend City Railroad. Click on the Iron Horse link to see pictures.
Len Kratz Photography:
Very good photographs of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, Burlington Northern Railroad, and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway
LocoPhotos.com:
A very cool site where you can look up and submit photos of locomotives. Worth a look.
The Narrow Gauge Circle:
A site dedicated to the narrow gauge railroad country of Colorado. Offers some insight to narrow gauge railroading.
Old Pueblo Trolley, Inc.:
An operation transit museum in Tucson AZ.
Pacific Southwest Railway Museum:
A working museum in Campo California that offers excursion trips
Phoenix Trolley Museum
Ride a mile - smile a while - Phoenix trolleys roll again.
Rail News.net:
The railroad news network. Extensive rail news from many sources. Updated daily.
Railroad Police Patches:
A site for something most of us do not think about. Railroad police. Kevin from Tucson AZ has is a collector of railroad police patches. Interesting site to visit.
Santa Fe FM Trainmasters - The Untold Story:
A well done story about the Fairbanks Morse engines used by the Santa Fe in Flagstaff Arizona.
Search Train and Railroad Stock Photography: (6/22/2007)
Over 20,000 train images, over 1,000 locomotive images, and nearly 5,000 railroad images on this site. You can search as much as they want and can even zoom-in or enlarge the images they are viewing. It is completely free to view the pictures.
Southern AZ Transportation Museum:
Railroad museum in Tucson AZ. The museum exists to interpret the history of transportation in Southern Arizona with a focus on the Tucson Historic Depot and Steam Locomotive #1673
Southwest Rail Corridor Coalition
This organization is building momentum in it's support for reactivating the rail line connecting Phoenix to Yuma and Los Angeles, as part of the plan to bring modern passenger rail to Phoenix and all of southern Arizona.
Wagon Wheel Gap Route Creede Colorado:
A site for the South Fork to Creede Wagon Wheel Gap Route of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway. Shows pictures and history of re-starting a rail line that has not been running for a while. Has some interesting pictures.
Western American Railroad Musuem:
WARM railroad museum in Barstow California. Has the last surviving 'A' frame container cars built by the Santa Fe. Only 6 were ever built.
The Warren R. Henry & Evelyn Henry Private Railroad Cars:
Very high end private railroad cars. A vista dome and it's sister sleeper. Ride the rails in style!
Wheels Museum:
An Albuquerque NM museum covering the Santa Fe
Wes Carr's Southwest Shorts
While Wes's site specializes in photographic coverage of Texas and Oklahoma short lines - he also has provided some excellent photos of Arizona's Apache Railway, and the Black Mesa & Lake Powell. Over in New Mexico you'll find the Santa Fe Southern, Southwestern Railroad (New Mexico line), and the Navajo Mine Railroad (an APS power plant operation in the Four corners area).
Western American Railroad Musuem:
WARM railroad museum in Barstow California. Has the last surviving 'A' frame container cars built by the Santa Fe. Only 6 were ever built.
Alaska Model Railroad News:
An index page full of interesting real, model & even garden railroad information. Scroll down to see links to visit. Includes Yukon & White Pass.
Alberni Pacific Railway:
A scenic railway located in Vancover BC. You can board the train pulled by our completely restored 1929 Baldwin ex-logging locomotive at the 1912 CPR Station and ride out to the McLean Mill National Historic Site.
Arizona Central - Verde Canyon Railway
Tourist runs on a historic mining railroad built by Santa Fe.
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad/Iowa Hirstorical Society:
One of the few railroad museums in the world operating diesel, electric, and steam equipment, but they have a variety of each type of motive power as well. Alco, EMD, GE, and GMD are all represented in their diesel fleet.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Chama, New Mexico A Steam engine ride through the beautiful San Juan Mountains.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge
News and information about the upcoming railfest, August 22-27. Visiting equipment will include the Eureka & Palisade No. 4 and three galloping geese from the Rio Grande Southern.
Grand Canyon Railway
Historic steam and early diesel runs right up to the canyon.
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad:
A scenic railroad the goes from Alamosa Co. to the Chama line.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad:
A new, since 1999, scenic railroad through the Royal Gorge in Colorado. Their pictures speak volumes & as a bonus, you can ride along with the engineer in the cab!
The Skunk Train:
A senic railroad in Willits CA that runs to Fort Bragg CA. Located northwest of Sacramento.
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