General Information
Hours of Operation
- Tuesday Evenings 7pm - 9:30pm are regular work sessions for all exhibits except O Scale
- The second Wednesday of each month is our business meeting. Please note, trains are not operating on business meeting nights.
- 2nd Tuesday of most months from October through March are open houses. Please check local newspapers for announcements about our open houses.
- Thursday Evenings 7pm - 10pm - O Scale Work Sessions
- New Member Orientations are periodically scheduled for members. Existing members may attend.
- Regularly Scheduled HO Operations Sessons (lasting 4 hours) are normally the 1st Saturday of the month.
How long does it take to see all your exhibits?
Most visitors spend about 2 hours viewing all the exhibits but individual exhibits can be viewed in less time.
What ages are appropriate?
Children from about 3 years of age and up will definitely enjoy most displays and exhibits.
Are you handicapped accessible?
Our exhibits on our first floor are handicap accessible. These include our HO, N and O Scale exhibits.
May I bring a stroller?
Yes, you may use a stroller, however aisles are rather small between the exhibits.
Are private open houses available?
Private open houses are available, subject to member availability to operate exhibits.
May I bring my camcorder and my camera?
Yes, please feel free to photograph or video tape all of our exhibits.
Where can I park?
There is free parking in front of our building.
Can you appraise my collection?
No, we are unable appraise items and collections. Please contact the American Society of Appraisers in Washington, D.C. at 1-800-272-8258 or www.appraisers.com
Can you repair my trains?
We don't not offer any repair service to the general public. If you are in the Sarasota area, we suggest that you visit Gulf Coast Model Railroad. You can
reach them at (941) 923-9303. They also offer appraisal services. If you are in the Tampa area, we suggest Bill Hollash Trains (O-27) or Happy Hobo.
Do you purchase collections or buy trains? Can you sell my trains for me?
It is extremley rare for us to purchase existing collections. We have one option to help you sell a model train collection.
We can sell your trains at our shows on a consignment basis. Please phone us for more information at (941) 758-3602.
Are donations to the Railroad Education and Learning Center and the Sarasota Model Railroad Club Tax Deductible?
We are a 501(c)3 organization and donations to us may be tax deductible. Please consult with your Tax Advisor for complete rules on deductiblity of a donation to us.
Is the Railroad Education and Learning Center open to the public?
Yes, the library is open to the public during our normal hours. However, non members may not remove library items, though you may read or examine contents of the library while you are visiting.
What are requirements for membership?
We have no basic rquirements to join. If you are interested in Model Railroading or the history or Railroading in the United States, you are welcome as a member. You don't need prior modeling experience or even own model trains. Please contact our Membership Director for more information on membership.
When can I come to the see trains running?
The best time to see trains operating on our permanent exhibits is during our Open Houses. Trains are also usually operating on Tuesday evenings in an informal manner depending on available members and layout availibilty for operations. Regularly schedueld Operations Sessions are normally closed to the public; however Operating Sessions may periodically be available for viewing by appointment. Please contact us for further information.
Didn't find the information you were looking for?
Please don't hesitate to send us a question by email. Email us at: RealRail Info
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