I am a pretty serious model railroader but I am also a child at heart. While I love to see carefully crafted model railroads with exquisite details and a focus on realistic train operation, I also enjoy just seeing a bunch of shiny trains running round and round with lots of lights and sounds. The BSMRM combines both of these desires.
It is a model railroad club first, which means to a potential visitor that you will find somewhat cramped aisles, sections of the layouts that are under construction or perhaps needing a face lift for the scenery, and some really cool vantage points roped off to visitors. The three layouts (N scale, HO scale, O scale) were designed primarily for the member's enjoyment, not hundreds of public members walking through, and that also translates to an experience that isn't handicapped accessible. That being said, they are open once a year (the first weekend in December) and for $5 you are invited into their "home" to see their pride and joy.
Sure, the trains run well (usually) but there might be a few issues along the way. And while most of the staff are friendly, problems do come up and if you try and talk to them when they are busy trying to trouble shoot an issue they be less than responsive.
That being said, though, I really enjoyed myself. I drove from Albany, NY solely to see their train layouts after reading articles about them in the model railroad magazines and was not disappointed. It was hot, it was loud, it was crowded, and it was fun! If you like model trains (or have kids that do), a visit here during their open house weekend will not disappoint. read more