Location & Contact:

6503 Katherine Road
Simi Valley , CA 93063
805-584-4400

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Description:

Just imagine a fully restored 100 plus year old Southern Pacific Railroad depot with both freight and passenger trains rushing by day and night. Imagine that inside is a museum filled with hundred of items having both railroad and local historical significance. Imagine a place where children of all ages can watch model trains running through a miniature representation of Simi Valley as it existed in the 1950s. Imagine a place where you can hold a business meeting or throw a party. Well, you don't have to imagine! It exists, and its all here at the Santa Susana Depot.

The Santa Susana Railroad Historical Society's model railroad club began meeting in the 1984. The initial mission was to restore Simi Valley's Southern Pacific Railroad depot which had been recently moved from its original site to its current location by the Simi Valley Park and Recreation Department. This group of model railroaders, rail fans, railroad and local history buffs formed the non-profit organization, the Rancho Simi Foundation (RSF) as the legal and operational entity for all depot related maters.

After years of hard work, the first few without running water and electricity, the depot was restored to a point where the club could move into the depot and start construction of its first layout, which was in the waiting room and the ticket office. Eventually, the club was able to move into the much larger freight room and start work on its current layout, whose "home road" name is the Santa Susana Pacific. The RSF took over the vacated rooms and began the room's further restoration and utilization for a museum.

The layout utilizes state of the art Digital Command Control (DCC) technology to control the trains, and we are in the midst of installing a DCC controlled signaling system. Our existing track work, structures and scenery are continually being upgraded to meet "fine scale" modeling standards. The layout loosely represents Southern Pacific's coast line in the mid 1950's, and our most featured display is of Simi Valley and its local industries. Upon entering the layout room, first time visitors tend to say "WOW!!!" Needless to say, this is our best affirmation of the hard work we have done over the years.

AMENITIES

BBQ
Ball Diamond
Basketball Court
Play Area
Electrical Outlet
Parking Stalls
Picnic Tables -covered
Picnic Tables -uncovered
Restrooms
Tot Tot
Volleyball Court

Photos