Onsite model railroad attraction

McCormick-Stillman Model Railroad Building

About 0.2 mi onsite

A free 10,000-square-foot indoor model-railroad attraction with four clubs, three major layouts, multiple scales, hands-on motion, and step-free ramped viewing.

The place

About McCormick-Stillman Model Railroad Building

The McCormick-Stillman Model Railroad Building is a free, climate-controlled counterpart to the outdoor Paradise & Pacific ride. The 10,000-square-foot building houses four clubs, three major layouts, hands-on exhibits, and views across at least eight railroad scales. Its train-shed-inspired design earned a 2012 Scottsdale Environmental Design Award and gives families a substantial indoor rail stop rather than a token display case.

The Scottsdale Model Railroad Historical Society interprets Arizona railroading in HO and HOn3, the Paradise & Pacific Railroad Club runs O-scale equipment, Sun-N-Sand builds in N scale, and the Z Guys work at the smallest end of the spectrum. Visitor-triggered orange-hand controls animate selected scenes, while club members may run changing trains from their own collections. The official site reports more than 450 feet of close viewing around the principal layouts.

Accessibility is one of the building’s strongest documented features: built-in ramps let small children and wheelchair users view the layouts without a step or lift. That does not mean every control, sightline, or busy-day aisle will work equally for every visitor, and individual trains or interactive elements can be inactive. Use the building during the broader attraction hours, not the shorter museum calendar, and fit it around the paid train departure.

What stands out

Eight scales in one view

The building connects tiny Z-scale scenes to larger layouts and the full-size Pullman car visible beyond.

Arizona railroad modeling

HO and HOn3 layouts interpret places, yards, mining communities, and rail operations around Arizona.

Ramped, four-sided viewing

Purpose-built ramps and walk-around layouts bring details closer to children and wheelchair users.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park trip

The building lets visitors compare operating scale models with the rideable 5:12-scale Paradise & Pacific outside, while providing an air-conditioned rail stop during Scottsdale heat. Because admission is free, it is the best flexible add-on before or after the ticketed ride.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • AdmissionThe official visitor page lists Model Railroad Building admission as free.
  • HoursNormally 9 a.m.–7 p.m. March–August and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. September–February, with Thanksgiving and Christmas closures and a 2 p.m. Christmas Eve close.
  • AccessibilityBuilt-in ramps provide step-free viewing without a lift for children and wheelchair users.
  • What is insideFour clubs, three major layouts, hands-on animation, multiple scales, video displays, and more than 450 feet of close viewing.
  • Operating caveatClub activity and layout work vary. Admission does not guarantee every train, controller, or animated feature will be operating.
  • Time budgetAllow roughly 30–75 minutes depending on model-railroad interest and the next outdoor train departure; no official fixed visit length is published.

Free onsite railroad history

Add Scottsdale Railroad Museum

Add the Peoria Depot, presidential Pullman, Merci Car, and preserved machine shop when the shorter October–May museum calendar is open.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Is the Model Railroad Building free?

Yes. The official visitor page lists it as a free attraction.

Is the building wheelchair accessible?

The official model-railroad page says built-in ramps let wheelchair users view the layouts without a step or lift.

Is the building closed in summer like the museum?

No. It follows the broader attraction schedule, which currently lists 9 a.m.–7 p.m. March through August. The separate railroad museum closes June through September.

Are the model trains always running?

Not necessarily. Club staffing, maintenance, and layout work vary, so individual trains and interactive features are not guaranteed.

How many model railroad clubs are represented?

The official page identifies four clubs in the building, with multiple scales and three principal layouts.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-14. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.