The PSMRE model railroad is an HO-scale (1:87) model representing Tacoma, WA railroading in the 1950's. The 25' by 95' exhibit area provides a compressed view of local landmarks from Tacoma's Asarco Tunnel to Stampede Pass, and includes trackage and equipment from the Great Northern, Northern Pacific, Union Pacific and Milwaukee Road railroads. In addition to being a public display, the model is used as an operating forum for PSMRE members.
For those of you interested in details about the exhibit's construction, operation and even some pictures, see our Exhibit Detail Page.
The exhibit is located on Level 5 of the Washington State History Museum. It can be viewed during normal museum hours. When no PSMRE operators are in attendance, five trains run automatically at the push of a button.
For details on museum admission prices and hours, see the WSHM website.
Our regularly-scheduled operating sessions occur the first Saturday of every month (except January). Sessions typically run from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm.
During these sessions, club members operate the model using "real railroad methods," with dispatchers and crews communicating via radio to run trains according to correct procedures.
By e-mail: PSMRE.info@gmail.com
By regular mail: PSMRE, 2522 Proctor Street #466, Tacoma, WA 98406
Museum Info: 1-888-BE-THERE or 253-272-3500
Copyright 1997-2026 PSMRE. All rights reserved.
The train near the bottom of the page was created by Randal O'Toole of PRPA, used here by license.