The Clovis Depot Model Train Museum

The Clovis Depot Model Train Museum, located in Clovis, New Mexico is located in the former Santa Fe depot there, a beautiful two-story structure. Along with presenting the history of Clovis’ railroading past (and present, with the BNSF Railway which runs directly in front of the depot) and that of the Santa Fe, the museum also features several operating layouts that are certainly something to see, especially for the youngsters! The museum also has a gift shop located right in the depot so be sure and stop by while you are there. Below is a brief history and more information about the museum courtesy of the Clovis Depot Model Train Museum:

The depot has been restored to its condition in the 1950-1960 era and has displays of historic documents and pictures covering its use since it was built. A special feature is an operating telegraph station. Artifacts of railroad significance are constantly being added to the Clovis Depot Model Train Museum collection. In May 1996 the depot was included on the National Register of Historic Places.

The development of toy trains is reflected in four layouts: a Standard Gauge layout presenting American Flyer and Lionel electric trains and accessories from circa 1920 to 1940; two O Scale layouts showing early 20th Century clockwork tin-plate trains of Great Britain and Lionel and Marx electric trains of the 1930 to 1970 era; and finally, an S Scale layout of American Flyer trains from the 1940-1960 era.

The history of the railroad in Great Britain is shown by the 00 Scale Caledonian Railway Preservation Society Model Railroad. The engines and rolling stock on this layout tell the history of the steam locomotive from the "ROCKET", built in 1829 to the "EVENING STAR", the last steam engine commissioned by British Rail; and of the diesel and electric locomotives through the "ADVANCED PASSENGER TRAIN" being experimented with by BR in the '80s.

The role of the railroad in the development of the Central Australian outback is presented in the HO Scale Ghan Preservation Society Model Railroad. This layout is set in the town of Alice Springs and shows trains from the early narrow gauge to the modern standard gauge era including several version of the famous "GHAN" Passenger Train.

The history of the railroad in Clovis is presented in an HO Scale layout that depicts the Clovis yard and adjacent city area in the 1950-1960 time frame. When completed this layout will have models of the many historic buildings in the yard and nearby city and already operates vintage trains representing railroad operations from 1907 to the modern trains of today.

Real train operations can be viewed from the platform and from the Dispatcher's position in the Depot. The railroad's communications can be heard over our P. A. system.

Our smallest layout is N Scale, depicting the Santa Fe Ry and a fictional town somewhere in the Midwest. Our largest scale is a G Scale train circling the gift shop near the ceiling. A reference library on the Santa Fe Railway, especially Clovis and the Belen Cutoff, is being stocked with books, pictures and videos. The library also includes material about British and Australian trains, railroading in general, model railroading, and toy trains.

So, if you plan to visit the Clovis area sometime you may want to visit the Clovis Depot Model Train Museum during your stay, they are open Wednesdays through Sundays, 12-5 pm throughout most of the year. Along with everything there to see they also offer guided tours.

For more reading about New Mexico's most famous railroad, the Santa Fe, you might want to consider one, or both, of the following books. Santa Fe Railway from Steve Glischinski will give you a general overview and history of the Santa Fe (filled with many, excellent, historical and colorful photographs) at which point you can decide if you are interested in further books of study on the railroad. Even if you are a historian of the ATSF and have not seen this book I'm sure you will enjoy it!

And, for more reading on the Santa Fe's famous Super Chief please consider purchasing a copy of Santa Fe Chiefs from author Bill Yenne. The book not only covers the famous flagship but also a number of other Chiefs operated by the Santa Fe. For anyone interested in the Santa Fe and/or its passenger operations you will very likely enjoy this book, which is also filled with photographs. If you're interested in perhaps purchasing these books please visit The Railroad Diamond by clicking the tab in the menu to your left marked "TRD Store".