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colorado hirailer posted:

How long has that Scottsdale train park been open? Never heard of it when there was a TCA convention in Phoenix in the " '90's"?

Looks like long ago: 

History of Park

In 1967, the Fowler McCormick’s donated 100 acres of McCormick Ranch to the City of Scottsdale stipulating that it be used as a park for all to enjoy. At that time the land value was $1 million. Their hope was that the gift would encourage others to give as well as to make Scottsdale a better place to live for succeeding generations.

The original location of the park was to be on 50 acres on the west side of Scottsdale Road. Complaints arose from the town of Paradise Valley so, to avoid difficulty, it was agreed to move across the street, wholly within, Scottsdale city limits. The land size of the park was cut from 50 to 30 acres.

In 1971 Guy Stillman chartered the Scottsdale Railroad & Mechanical Society as part of the agreement with the city of Scottsdale to establish a Railroad Park on the donated land. The original purpose of the Society was to provide technical expertise to the McCormick Railroad Park. Later that year, Guy began to move his Paradise & Pacific steam railroad to the park land, donating two narrow gauge 5/12 scale locomotives.

Residents celebrated the grand opening of the city of Scottsdale’s McCormick Railroad Park on Saturday, October 4, 1975 with free train rides, games, music and a Wild West Shootout. The facilities were a “bare minimum” and the one mile of track had been supplied by donations and laid by volunteers. The highlight of the event was a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad. At the time of opening, approximately $1.25 million had been invested in the park and its facilities. Over the last 40 years the park has evolved into one of the most popular attractions in Scottsdale, with approximately 1 million visitors a year.

BobbyD posted:

I heard the only store that was big in new 3 Rail around there, Arizona Train Depot, went out of business recently.

Last I went by the sign was still up and some stuff in the shop, but yes, they were in the process of clearing out as the owner was having some serious health problems.  I need to do a drive by again and see if there has been any change.

But in general, for PHX being the 5th largest in the nation, it's really got nothing for model trains.  Probably because most of the old guys out here come to golf.  That and we don't have basements and bedrooms are mostly about 10x10 or even smaller as they figure everyone will be out at the pool instead since we have nothing but sunshine to spare.

TedW posted:

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale is one place.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

This is THE place to visit for model and toy trains in Arizona.  While this is not a store, the railroad park is an incredible mix of railroad related items from full scale down to N.  I am a member of the Paradise and Pacific which is the hi-rail O club.  We are very friendly and it is open 363 days a year, 7 days a week.  We'd love to have you stop by and hang out. pandprr.com

Also, I am active with our local TCA Division.  We meet the 2nd Saturday of the month for an hour of socializing with member sales tables, a brief business meeting, a usually excellent education segment, and finally raffle prizes.

The Grand Canyon Model Railroaders grew out of an old TTOS chapter and is also very friendly.  I'm not a member yet, but they also meet most monthly.

When are you planning a visit?

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