Nevada County Narrow Gauge Historical Model Railroad, Grass Valley

About Nevada County Narrow Gauge Historical Model Railroad

The Nevada County Narrow Gauge Historical Model Railroad is an operating On3 scale model at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley that preserves the original narrow gauge railroad connecting Nevada City, Grass Valley, Chicago Park, and Colfax from 1876 to 1942. Built by volunteers since 1986, the layout recreates authentic scenes along the historic line, including Town Talk, the Bear River Bridge, and gold mining operations. Visitors can watch historically accurate locomotives such as Engine #1 "Grass Valley" pulling period-correct rolling stock, controlled via a DCC digital system that enables synchronized lighting and sound. Onboard "Train Cam TV" cameras let visitors ride along from a train-level perspective through the towns and yards. The layout is open during Nevada County Fairgrounds events, special open house occasions, and regular volunteer work sessions. Schools, scout troops, and organized groups can arrange private visits to explore the railroad's local history.