Miniatures, dioramas and scale models

Miniatures, dioramas and scale models are scaled (or not so scaled) representations of other objects, which attract traveller interest. Created by skilled model-makers, the objects modelled, the scales used, and the level of detail can be incredible.

Miniature parks

 * Worldwide, there are several Legoland parks, based around models made using the small plastic bricks.

Model railways
Model railway (or railroads) initially developed at the end of the 19th century, and have developed from comparatively large models, into rail-roads of diverse scale, modelled gauges and levels of detail.

Don't assume that all model rail-roads are at small scales inside a building, there being some 'garden railways' that can be on nominal scales as big as 1:12 scale.

Shows
As well as the 'fixed' attractions above, many model railway clubs in the UK hold (annual) public shows, the traveller is advised to check local press in a destination, Some of these shows may focus on modelling specific themes, railways or periods, whereas others are more general. Layouts at such events can vary from tiny 'micro' layouts, through to complex multi-operator affairs.

United States

 * Golden State Model Railroad Museum in Richmond, California

Miniature railways and "Grand Scale" railroads
Sitting somewhere between model railways of various scales, and full scale (albiet narrow gauge) railways, are Grand Scale railroads (or Miniature Railways), which although not necessarily for the purpose of practical transportation, are a fascinating destination for the rail or attraction enthusiast. At these larger track gauges and modelling scales, it's even possible for an operator to ride with their 'model' trains. For many lines with a track gauges above 7¼" (184mm), there can be a regular passenger service. Numerous private "backyard railroads" have also existed, some of which have occasional open days.

England

 * North Bay Railway, Scarborough. This larger (20in) gauge miniature railway is a worthwhile excursion even if you don't plan on visiting Scarborough's other attractions.

Wales

 * Rhyl Miniature Railway, Marine Parade, Rhyl.

Model Engineering Club Circuits

 * Ridgeway Park, Chingford, Model Engineering Club circuit of 7.25"/5"/3" gauge, and a Gauge One layout. Operates seasonally in summer, Sunday afternoons.
 * Harlington Locomotive Society, Club circuit of 5"/3" gauge. Seasonal, Fortnightly weekends in Summer.
 * HWSME, Roxbourne Park Railway, Ruislip, Middlesex. Club circuit with 7.25"/5"/3" gauge represented, Seasonal operation, Sunday afternoons.
 * Frimley Lodge Miniature Railway, Frimley Lodge Park, Frimley Green, Surrey. 7.25". Operates First Sunday of the Month - March 5th-Nov 5 (1100-1600).

United States

 * Train Mountain Railroad, Chiloquin, Oregon
 * Redwood Valley Railway, Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley, California.
 * Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad, Fairview, Michigan.
 * Waterman and Western Railroad, Waterman, Illinois.
 * LASLRM, Griffith Park, Los Angles, California.

Central and Eastern Europe


"Pioneer" or "children's railways" were created in several countries of the former Soviet-led Eastern Bloc during the mid-20th century. At that time, they were run by the communist youth organisation ("pioneers") of the respective countries. After the end of the communist rule, some of them have been continued by public enterprises or private associations. They are not only children's attractions, but children also participate in their operation, acting as ticket vendors, conductors, signallers and attendants (only the engine drivers need to be adults). While most of the pioneer railways in former East Germany and Poland (e. g. Berlin, Dresden, Poznan) are on a miniature scale (most commonly with a 15-inch or 600-mm gauge), those in Hungary, Slovakia and the former Soviet Union are actually full-scaled narrow-gauge railways. See the list of "Pioneer" railways in Eastern Europe.

Apart from that concept, ridable miniature railways also exist in other Central European countries:


 * Swiss Vapeur Parc ("Swiss steam park") in Le Bouveret on Lake Geneva near the French-Swiss border (between Montreux and Evian) with 19 rideable miniature locomotives (both steam and electric) and 14 wagons
 * Stuttgart's Killesbergbahn, Germany's oldest minimum-gauge railway (since 1939)
 * Liliputbahn at Vienna's Prater

Dolls' houses

 * Queen Mary's Dolls' House, Windsor