About ETE

Welcome to the Southern California Chapter of the European Train Enthusiasts

European Train Enthusiasts is the premier North American organization focusing on European railroading. Founded in 1973, ETE serves modelers, railway fans, related organizations and the community through public events, working model displays, media presentations, and the publication of our quarterly journal, ETE Express.

Our Southern California chapter offers train fans an opportunity to enjoy a more European perspective. Members come from Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Diego counties. Our monthly meetings are a great chance to get to find others with similar interests. Our Module Special Interest Group (SIG) uses a modular building technique to create a portable piece of Europe for members to show their model trains.

Our module Special Interest Group (SIG) is getting ready to build some new modules. If you would like to be a part of this effort – either building your own or helping others in their module – please contact Cindy Gaw – SIG President- as soon as possible.

ETE SoCal continues its practice of monthly meetings at individual member’s homes. These meetings are intended to accomplish two things: one to give the hosting member a chance to demonstrate his/her layout to other members and afford attending members a chance to see other layouts, pick up tips and ideas and in general socialize with all. Monthly meetings are always accompanied by a BBQ (weather in Southern California is very predictable and no contingency planning is required) , ‘Beer and Brats’ as the phrase goes, permit members without a layout of their own to bring their favorite loco and run it on the host’s layout. Contact Don Gaw – Chapter President – for details on getting to locations and for membership.