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San Diego Trolley?

MurnaneMurnaneOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I'm heading to San Diego in a few weeks for a business trip and I've got a little bit of time (I think) to goof off (I hope).  I'm pretty sure I'm going to try to get to the Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park, and perhaps visit the "Frank the Trainman" shop as both look like they are in reasonable walking distance from the hotel I'll be at.

 

Wondering if the trolley is worth a ride, thoughts?  It looks like my hotel is by the "Seaport Village" (Harbor Drive), so if anyone has any suggestions for "must see" locations (LHS, trainspotting, etc.) by either foot, quick transit, or cheap cab ride I'd love to hear your thoughts.

 

I'll post pictures to this thread of any interesting upon my return.

 

All the best...Rich

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EN ed new haven lineOGR Forum Member

Certainly the San Diego Light Rail System is worth riding on it's several lines. I have ridden it many times in the 80's and 90's. Since the last time I was there a new line has been built and other lines have been extended. Check and see if they still sell an all day pass for unlimited rides. They use to offer a brochure that listed things of interest within "walking distance" of some of the stops. The best place to start your ride would be at the (Amtrak) train station where two or more of the lines either start or pass by. The waterfront is two short blocks from there as well. I always enjoyed taking the ferry across San Diego Bay or one of the harbor boat rides.

L lioneljimOGR Forum Member

I just got back from a trip to San Diego via Amtrak from Colorado (SW Chief to LA and then Pacific Surfliner to SD)  Agree that best place to start is the Santa Fe Station.  It's a bit rundown on the inside but you can imagine how it might have looked in its "heyday".  Our schedule did not permit a visit to Balboa Park and the SD model railroad ((bummer!!!)  The trolley system is well worth a ride.  There is even a PCC running on one of the routes; not certain which one.  In addition to AMTRAK we also rode the Coaster up to Encinitas.  Great views along the coastal route and very inexpensive: all three zones - senior rate $2.75!

B bob2OGR Forum Member

For a model train nut, the Balboa museum is simply a must.  The HO scenery is simply world class.  You will see plenty of 3-rail.

 

A visit to Campo to see the real trains would be nice, but it takes a rental car.

 

Riding the trolley and Coaster is great fun, but I would do Balboa if there was room for only one excursion.

 

Bob - Life Member SDMRR Museum.  Life member whatever they call the Campo museum, too.  I think it is Pacific Southwest Railway Museum this week.

AGHRMattAGHRMattOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERMEMORIAL SUPPORTER
Originally Posted by bob2:

For a model train nut, the Balboa museum is simply a must.  The HO scenery is simply world class.  You will see plenty of 3-rail.

 

A visit to Campo to see the real trains would be nice, but it takes a rental car.

 

Riding the trolley and Coaster is great fun, but I would do Balboa if there was room for only one excursion.

 

Bob - Life Member SDMRR Museum.  Life member whatever they call the Campo museum, too.  I think it is Pacific Southwest Railway Museum this week.

Bob:

 

Does the trolley have a stop at/near Balboa Park? Was thinking about taking Amtrak down to San Deigo on a day trip instead of driving.

MurnaneMurnaneOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
Originally Posted by lioneljim:

....rode the Coaster up to Encinitas.  Great views along the coastal route and very inexpensive: all three zones - senior rate $2.75!

Hey Jim, after reading your post I poked around on the "coaster" website, it looks like something I am going to try to squeeze into my trip for sure!  Thanks for the recommendation...Rich

MurnaneMurnaneOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
Originally Posted by bob2:
 
Thanks Bob, I took a look and it appears Campo (Pacific Southwest Railway Museum) is only open on the weekend, so I'll miss out on that one.  I'm most certainly going to get to the Balboa museum though.
 
Best...Rich

A visit to Campo to see the real trains would be nice, but it takes a rental car.

 

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