I usually make a yearly journey to Phoenix in January since that is when my Mother-in-law's birthday was, and I could get in some golf while spending time with family. Now that her and Pop have passed on to Jesus last summer, I am just getting out there the first week in April this year, and wondered what other train displays, excursions, etc., are in the area besides the Superstition Mountain which I've done a couple of times.
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Did you visit the train club at McCormick Park in Scottsdale? There is a big static steam engine and a small gauge operating train besides the clubs.
Did you visit the train club at McCormick Park in Scottsdale? There is a big static steam engine and a small gauge operating train besides the clubs.
Nope haven't seen that. Thanks.
Go see the Coyotes play Very unique scoreboard and crowd.
Have you taken a hot air ballon ride yet? Do that first.
here are some links for the McCormick Park in Scottsdale mentioned above;
A bit north of Phoenix is the Verde Canyon Railway. Really nice train ride through the mountains. You can see eagle nests on the mountain faces. I recommend the First Class car.
A bit north of Phoenix is the Verde Canyon Railway. Really nice train ride through the mountains. You can see eagle nests on the mountain faces. I recommend the First Class car.
I will check out this RR for sure, looks beautiful. It will be the first time seeing the desert in the springtime.
Paul
I was just at the Verde RR last week, Didn't get to ride it but checked out the operation, looks very nice
If you and Mrs Paul want are up to it I highly suggest checking out Jerome which is just a few miles away from the Verde RR, Its an old mining town that has be recast as an art gallery, bar and restaurant down, A great way to spend the day.
We got to it via Sedona (over hyped tourist trap) but there may be a more direct route to the RR and Jerome. Its about 2 hours away from Phoenix
Paul
If you get to Tucson, check out the Gadsden Pacific Toy Train Museum. Open houses are the second and fourth Sunday of each month. If that doesn't fit your schedule, contact me and I'll give you a personal tour - I have a key. E-mail is in my profile.
You should get to Tucson anyway. April is the perfect time to visit the Arizona Sonora Desert museum, which is really a zoo/arboretum.
Gadsden Pacific Toy Train Museum
Go west young man, and rise from the ashes in Phoenix! Have a great time. My grandmother and I used to travel from Ft. Collins, CO, where she lived, down through 4 corners, through AZ, and home by way of Utah. Long, slow loop with plenty to see and she always insisted on seeing every train, running or not, on the way.
Paul, if your stay will have you in Phoenix on April 13, our TCA Desert Division is having its annual Pizza Meet. That means there will be a free pizza lunch and an afternoon auction, typically about 100 lots. The meet location is: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church 1500 W. Maryland Ave., Phoenix. If you are not a TCA member, you are welcome to come as my guest. Just ask for me when you arrive. The meet starts at 9am.
I am just getting out there the first week in April this year, and wondered what other train displays, excursions, etc., are in the area
Not for nuttin', but we have golf down here too . . . .
Two thumbs up for McCormick Park in Scottsdale. We were there in January and we just loved it, well worth your time.
If you go up to Globe, AZ you can take the Copper Spike Railway excursion. Last year when I was there, they used an F-7 (I believe), an original aluminum passenger dome car from the golden days, and an aluminum observation car also from the golden days of railroading.
I had the privilege of sitting at the "point" of the observation car where the back door is. A small bar is on this car and I ordered Stella Artois while i watched all of the Arizona scenery through the many windows in this car, including the window in the back door.
McCormick Park, as others mentioned, is a must-see if you are going to be in the Phoenix area. Huge, amazing model train layouts!
John Knapp
Erie, not Eerie
Wow I know that area well, my in-laws were in Mesa, but didn't know that was there. Thanks everyone will definitely be riding the Verde Canyon RR and going to McCormick Park. Hope to see If Globe can be fit in. I will be there for just a week.
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