A Visit to the Reading Society of Model Engineers

Train tracks of the Laurel Run Railroad carving a path through the forest grounds of the Reading Society of Model Engineers

Date of Latest Visit: October 16, 2022

Hidden gems truly do exist in Pennsylvania – places that are largely unknown for various reasons. I love to find them, but it’s especially satisfying to find a hidden gem right in my own backyard.

That’s exactly how I would describe the Reading Society of Model Engineers.

A private club for model train enthusiasts, but a few times a year – usually in the spring and fall – the club opens its doors to the public for open houses.

The clubhouse is in an out-of-the-way spot north of the city of Reading in Berks County. The hillside location offers the perfect backdrop.

When you think of “model railroads,” the first thing that likely comes to mind is tabletop train sets or Lionels under the Christmas tree.

Trackside railroad shanty with a sign reading "Laurel Run"

And certainly, the clubhouse has those, but the real attraction during the open houses is the Laurel Run Railroad. This is a ride-on railroad with tracks 15” apart, roughly one-quarter the size of a standard gauge railroad.

Quarter-size diesel engine pulling passengers on the Laurel Run Railroad

Riders sit one per row on a bench seat atop model flatbed cars. (I did see a couple brave kids taking rides inside the model boxcar, too). The train winds its way through the grove in a figure eight, looping at both ends before arriving back at the station.

Model train on table coming toward camera

The Laurel Run is the largest of the model railroads at the club. Inside the clubhouse are the smaller model layouts, two floors of them. The first floor features tracks of Lionel trains, including a couple models from local railroads like the Strasburg and the Reading & Northern.

Train tracks on model layout inside the clubhouse of the Reading Society of Model Engineers

Upstairs is the larger HO gauge layout. The layout hugs the sides of the room, surrounding guests as they climb the stairs. Here, the craftsmanship of the club members is on full display as model trains navigate a complex series of tracks with mountain tunnels and bridges.

people riding on a scale model train through the trees at the Reading Society of Model Engineers

Back outside, there are more trains to see. On the hillside overlooking the Laurel Run Railroad, there were smaller tracks with more scale replica steam and diesel locomotives. These were still strong enough to pull passengers around a loop track, but the track and the cars were narrow to the point of sitting one person in front of the other.

man working on an outdoor model steam engine

Though we had fun as guests, it was clear that these model engineers were the ones having the most fun enjoying the fruits of their hard work on these model machines.

When You Go

Rides on the Laurel Run Railroad are ticketed – you can purchase them at the club’s model station.
The clubhouse is not fully accessible with tight fits and stairs only to reach the second floor.
Everyone is extremely friendly and happy to show off their work, but definitely don’t touch anything without asking.