South Shore Model Railway Club

Mix: a bunch of model train enthusiasts (including current and former train engineers and MBTA employees); a former WWII building way out in the woods; a roomful of small, mostly male children and their people; beautifully sculpted small scale scenery that looks like a special effects set, some of which is still under construction, with model trains running through them. To the delight of the under-​5 set, even Thomas the Tank Engine made an appearance.
Open to the public twice a year, this is a fun way to spend an afternoon. The lighting is bad, the spaces are a little tricky, and it might be a little overwhelming to find so many people into model trains. (It felt like a comic book convention, but with trains.) For small boys – especially those like mine who are really into trains – this is a little bit o’ heaven. It may even be a gateway into the grander, and possibly expensive, world of model trains. It may even inspire new wood, plastic, and/​or Duoplo track layouts that will take over your living room. There are vendors selling books, model train DVDs, and yes, lots and lots of model trains, tracks, and kits. We were topped out after an hour. I’d also like to add that the guys there were very cool with photos being taken. Admission was $ 5 for adults.
It is possible to get there by public transportation. The West Hingham stop on the Greenbush commuter rail line is across the extremely busy street from the driveway. Then you walk down the mucky dirt driveway under construction with no sidewalks that goes on for at least 10 minutes. Just when you start to wonder where this place is, the parking lot appears.