The Washington State History Museum in Tacoma, already home to an impressive model-train layout, now also boasts a scale model of historic Union Station, courtesy of the Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers (PSMRE).
The group unveiled the project this week at the museum. The incredibly detailed Union Station model has been 17 years in the making. It will be the centerpiece of the existing model-train exhibit, the largest on public view in our state. It is a world-class display set in the 1950s and featuring many historically accurate model buildings from the Puget Sound area, including the Top Of The Ocean restaurant, the Brown and Haley candy factory, Meeker Mansion and more.
The Union Station reveal takes place just ahead of the museum’s 23rd Annual Model Train Festival, which is Dec. 21-Jan. 1 (note: the museum is closed Dec. 24 and 25). Santa will be on hand for free digital photos from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. New this year, visitors can drive a model train simulator.
The festival also features an Activity Room just for kids where they can explore, create, build (and destroy) their own train creations with LEGOs, Lincoln Logs and more.
Festival hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (except Dec. 24-25); admission is $14 for adults; $11 for seniors, students and active and former military personnel; free for kids 5 and under; and $40 for a family of up to 2 adults and 4 children under 18) $40. Families showing a Washington Quest EBT Card receive $1 off person or $2 per family.
The Washington State History Museum is at 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma.
