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The term live steam most of the time refers to a model steam locomotive, or any other desiel model that is powered. We currently only own gasoline powered engines. We have 3 dieselF7's, a GP-38 and a gasoline powered 0-6-0 steam locomotive which is modeled after our ACL 143 located in the station area. ACL 143 has a cover over it and we are going to add a caboose to the end of it for Birthday Parties. Live steam engines are able to run on our track also but they are very expensive and require much maintaince. We run 7 days a week, thats alot of oil changes!
One of the most famous live steam railroads was Walt Disney's Carolwood Pacific Railroad, which inspired Disney to surround his planned Disneyland amusement park with a working, narrow gauge railroad. His layout, much like ours was a 7.5 inch gauge railroad. He had freight cars for passengers to ride on. Today many of the live steam railroad use passenger riding cars, seating 2 to 8 passengers. We have our own cars that were built just for use and were designed by our own members. Our cars have 3 seatbacks but with the space in between seats longer than other railroads the seats are able to seat a adult and a child. The cars design have a low center of gravity to keep them from leaning and derailing.
The world's largest live steam layout, with over 25 miles of trackage is Train Mountain in Chiloquin, Oregon, USA. This track is maintained by 2 clubs and holds a world record. Their site is located here. We have about 1.5 miles of 7.5 gauge(1/8th scale) steel track. The track has about 3 or 4 ties per foot. That equals out to be about 27,720 16 inch long 1x1 ties. Maintaince on the track is done every week. These jobs can be from raising or lowering the track, adding gravel, fixing the gauge, switch maintaince, village cleanup, and adding or taking down lights for the holidays. The jobs never end. These jobs are counted as volunteer service hours for High School, or other service hour organizations. Please contact the ticket office for more information on helping out.
The engine most seen online, "Lakes Park and Gulf Railroad" #200, was built by E & S Lines in Palmetto, FL. The bonnet on the engine was recently changed with #400, so now #2000 in its Grey, Blue and Yellow boast a whooping 16 Horse Power Hydraulic system. The engine currently sits normally on Track 1 for trackwork and holiday runs.
The oldest engine that served on the line, "Railroad Museum of South Florida" # , has been passed on to another railroad. Over 13 years ago the engine was bought from E & S Lines .# used a 5.5HP Honda Engine to power its Grey and Blue Bonnet for over 13 years of hard service. The engine was used for passenger service for many years during the day trips and was used as a Holiday Train for many others. Before its retirement it was used as the lead Track Work Train Engine for sweeping tracks and yard movements. # served its time and will be greatly missed.
The yellow and green could be spotted through the trees as it came towards you. #400 boast its "Lakes Park and Gulf Railroad" in green on the sides. #400 recently had a frame switch with #2000 making it have a 5.5 HP Honda instead of its old 16HP. Its still used mainly by Armando Ingratta during the week and weekdays and is currently stored on track 3 in the barn.
You can't miss the flashing top beam and the air horn coming right at you. The red and white SOO LINE logo shows off as our newest engine roaring through the park. #213A showed up in September of 2006 and is being used for everything except trackwork. The "SOO" can be heard over a half of a mile away with its two chime horn sounding off. The massive 16 HP Briggs and Stratton engine roars as it easily pulls compares to the other up the 3.5% grade at the bridge. Make sure you look at it on the photos page.
"Grey Ghost" shows off its Red and Grey Santa Fe color scheme and yellow top flasher. Grey Ghost is one of only two GP-38 homebuilt's by a company that did not quite survive the hardships of building to such a great hobby. "Grey Ghost" has a 16 HP engine and has been in use for many years. Currently its position is on the Bay in the Turntable for 2 Hydraulic Pump getting replaced. Grey Ghost is a puller!
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