The World’s Largest O-Scale Model Railroad is housed at the Golden State Model Railroad Museum in Point Richmond, California, where it continues to astonish visitors with its sheer size, detail, and realism. Spanning tens of thousands of square feet, the massive layout is recognized as the largest O-scale model railroad display in the world.
Built and maintained by a dedicated community of hobbyists and engineers, the railroad recreates vast stretches of the western United States, including detailed landscapes of California, Nevada, and Oregon. From bustling cities and industrial zones to mountains, deserts, and coastlines, the miniature world captures the diversity of real-life rail travel with remarkable precision.
O-scale trains, larger and more detailed than many other model scales, allow for intricate craftsmanship. Every element—from hand-laid tracks and realistic signaling systems to tiny vehicles, buildings, and figures—is carefully designed to mirror real railroad operations. Some trains stretch dozens of feet in length, winding through tunnels, bridges, and lifelike scenery.
The museum’s layout is not just about size but also about storytelling. It reflects the history of railroads in the American West, highlighting their role in shaping commerce, migration, and industry. Interactive features and educational displays help visitors understand how rail systems work, making it a favorite destination for families, students, and rail enthusiasts.
Volunteers continuously expand and refine the layout, ensuring it evolves with new technology and historical accuracy. The scale of the project requires thousands of hours of labor each year, making it one of the most ambitious model railroad efforts ever undertaken.
