Sun-N-Sand Model Railroad Club

The Sun and Sand Model Railroad Club is dedicated to sharing the joy, skill, and artistry of model railroading with our community. We create entertaining, hands-on exhibits that invite visitors of all ages to explore how miniature railroads are designed, built, and operated. Our goal is to help the public appreciate the craftsmanship behind every layout, locomotive, and scenic detail.

Founded in 1973 by local hobbyists who wanted to preserve and celebrate model railroading, the club has grown into a welcoming group of builders, operators, and storytellers. The model railroad building at McCormick Stillman Railroad Park opened in 2010 and we transitioned our modular N-Trak layout to a more permanent setup.   Over the years we’ve expanded our layouts, refined our techniques, and developed interactive displays that make the hobby accessible and fun for newcomers and longtime fans alike.  If you look closely, you may notice the inside layout is comprised of several unique N-Trak modules.  The model layout is consistently evolving as members are applying their various skills and interests to maintain and improve the member and guest experiences on the layout.

Detailed Scale Layouts — Multiple themed layouts showcase different eras, regions, and modeling techniques.

Member Demonstrations — Watch members run realistic trains as they volunteer and bring their own personal trains to run on the club layout.   This provides a diverse variety of trains from multiple road names, eras, and styles.  

Hands-On Stations — Using interactive hands on the layout, visitors can often initiate the experience.   The volunteer club members all always trying to maintain and create unique ways to interact with the layout.

Experts Available – Feel free to talk to the members inside the glass; they are often excited to share their enthusiasm for model railroading.  

We welcome new members who want to help build, operate, teach, or maintain our exhibits. Membership is open to anyone interested in model railroading, from beginners to experienced modelers. Members gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and the chance to contribute to public displays that inspire others.

Bring your family, bring your curiosity, and step into a world where tiny trains tell big stories. Whether you’re here to learn, to be inspired, or to join a community of makers, the Sun and Sand Model Railroad Club is ready to welcome you.

Location: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Model Railroad Building.

Admission: FREE — guests are welcome to visit the model railroad building at no charge

Hours: Check out the park schedule for current hours; we typically host public operating days and special events on weekends.

Accessibility: Our exhibits are designed to be family-friendly and accessible to visitors of varying abilities.

The club is funded by donations from the public; you can support us by contributing in one of the following ways.  We are a 501(c)(3) organization and can provide receipts upon request.

Cash Apps

PayPal:  Sun-N Sand – Treasurer@sun-n-sand.org

Venmo: @Sun-N Sand

By Mail:
Sun-N-Sand Model Railroad Club:
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
7301 East Indian Bend Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85250-4513