The story of the Southern Pacific Glendale Depot begins in 1883, when the first station was built to serve the growing community nestled between Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. This modest depot quickly became a vital stop along the Southern Pacific Railroad, connecting Glendale to the rest of California and beyond.
In 1923, the railroad replaced the original structure with a new Spanish Colonial Revival-style building. With its red-tiled roof, arched windows, and stucco walls, the new depot embodied the optimism and elegance of Southern California’s golden rail era. Trains like the famous Coast Daylight—billed as “the most beautiful train in the world”—glided to a stop beneath its wide eaves, carrying commuters, tourists, and dreamers bound for Los Angeles or San Francisco.
During World War II, the depot took on a somber importance. It became a place of tearful goodbyes and hopeful returns as soldiers shipped out to fight overseas.
The rhythmic clatter of troop trains passing through Glendale was a reminder of the nation’s sacrifice—and its hope for peace. In the postwar decades, as automobiles and airplanes took center stage, passenger rail declined. The depot saw fewer travelers, and by the 1970s, it had quietly slipped out of regular use. Yet, the building endured.
In 1989, the City of Glendale stepped in to preserve the historic structure, andin May of 1990, the station was rededicated in a public celebration.
The Glendale Model Railroad Society participated in the event and later contributed a detailed diorama now on display inside the depot, depicting thestation during its vibrant mid 50’s transition era.
Our two scale models of the Glendale Station, the one in the depot display and the other located on our layout, were scratch-built by a dedicated team of society members using architectural plans drawn during the restoration of the original station in the late 1990s. Member Scott McKeown had the plans reduced to HO scale, allowing parts to be made directly from the drawings. Bill Topham crafted the station’s two towers and provided the era-appropriate train models. Al Wallace added period-correct signage, while Don Bergmann meticulously recreated the station’s ornate windows and doors based on historic photographs to capture an exact miniature representation.
About the Glendale Model Railroad Society
Since 1949, the Glendale Model Railroad Society has been preserving the legacy of railroading through its Verdugo Valley Lines—an HO scale layout that showcases the rich rail history of the Los Angeles area. The layout features realistic operations and detailed scenes inspired by the Southern Pacific, Santa Fe, Union Pacific, and other iconic railroads that once crisscrossed Southern California. Operated by a dedicated group of modelers and railfans, the Society brings the golden age of railroading to life for enthusiasts of all ages.
Welcome to the Glendale Model Railroad Society!
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