My Spot: Golden State Model Railroad Museum

Terry Walker gets a thrill out of seeing model trains. Whenever he gets a chance, he heads to Point Richmond to visit the Golden State Model Railroad Museum to relive a childhood pastime.

“I got into model trains about five years ago,” Walker says. “You know, an old man looking for something to do. My wife goes to knitting guild once a month on Sundays, and it gives me an opportunity to sneak over here and have a look.”

The Golden State Model Railroad Museum houses three train layouts, covering 10,000 square feet.

“This is a big warehouse and it’s full of three different scales of railroads,” Walker explains. “They want them to look like a real railroad. That’s why if you see some of these models, they’ve got graffiti all over them, and grease and vinegar.”

The museum features steam locomotives, along with diesel freight and passenger trains -- built and operated by members of the East Bay Model Engineers Society.

“Trains going 'round and 'round fascinate me,” Walker says. “I feel a kinship towards people who mess around with trains, and I enjoy looking at the trains."

"I had a happy childhood, and there is nothing wrong with staying in touch with your childhood as you get older," Walker continues. "I spent hours and hours on the floor playing with my toys, and it gives me a little bit of feeling in my stomach of pleasure. That’s why I do it."