Big Boots & Western R. R.  (UPDATE Jan. 26) Candler, Fl. ** 7 1/2 gauge track** The railroad currently features over 2 1/2 miles of track, with 65 ft. or larger radii on the mainline, with a maximum grade of 2% and three separate yards and an Industrial Park. The Industrial Park has 35 ft radii and the car barn/engine house track is 55 ft radii. The track layout is set up to approximate the SAL and the ACL as they head South from Ocala, FL towards Tampa, Leesburg and eventually future expansions will head it North to Sanford. There are three ways to unload. There is a high and a low unloading ramp and a drive through transfer table. All three provide access to the steaming bays or directly to the main yard, which is lighted and has water for steamers. The main yard features 11 double-ended tracks for storage of up to 200 cars. The other two     MORE >>>

Work sessions are now Thursday mornings, call prior to coming to make sure that we will be there.

NE Fla Live Steamers & RRs (West Tocoi & Bostwick R. R.)  (UPDATE Feb. 26) Bostwick, Fl. **  This track boasts two separate railroads comprising a 7 1/2 gauge (3600 ft) and 2 ft gauge with four different areas where they cross.  2 ft gauge has over 6200 ft of mainline (6600 ft planned). Outer loop is complete. 350 ft remains to close inner loop. Two mainline wyes for turning the train. Self contained camping is available.**   Road crossings, drive-thru unloading facilities, steaming bays have all been upgraded this year prior to the FLS Winter Meet.  Six yard tracks (250 ft) near the station now allow the engineers to take a break without blocking the mainline as well as much in the way of track extensions. Also, an ever-growing automated signaling system. The Miller Junction passenger station is finished. Memorial Run March 13.

By Appointment Only      Scheduled work sessions every Thursday & Saturday.

Second Saturday of the
month is Membership Run
Day, all live steamers are
always invited.

Tradewinds & Atlantic R. R. (UPDATE Feb. 23) Coconut Creek, Fl. ** 7 1/2 gauge**   This track is located in a Broward County Park and their track is enjoyed by the general public on the third Sat/Sun of each month.  It boasts a track around a lake, souvenir sales, secure equipment facilities, yard tracks and a turntable/steaming bay area.  Any month that has five weekends, the club schedules a run day to enjoy the fruits of their labors.

         Scheduled runs are the 3rd weekend of each month 

Manatee Central Rail Road  (UPDATE Mar. 6) Parrish, Fl.  (2010 schedule of Manatee's Meets is now out)   **7 1/2 gauge, 4 3/4 gauge, Gage 1, a pond for steam boats, a shady area for hit and miss, and bring and brag.**   This track covers two five-acre private sites that comprise a well laid out track plan with four separate unloading areas, two separate steaming bays and two hydraulic lifts. One mile of mainline and one mile of sidings and yards.  Self contained camping is available on limited basis at the meets.  Call to check availability of open sites. NEW, minimum radius on track is now 52 ft.

Work sessions every Sunday

Ridge Live Steamers  (UPDATE Feb. 28) Dundee, Fl. ** 7 1/2 gauge **     4200+ feet of main line and 6000+ feet of sidings and yards (more since) built in an old orange grove. It boasts many bridges, grades up to 1 1/2 % and a by-pass track with 3.3% to challenge the ability of engineers and equipment, bi-directional signaled track and a tunnel.  There are restrooms, shower facilities, picnic pavilion, passenger loading station and a drive through hydraulic unloading facility.  About 36 campsites with water and electric hookups.  Camping by prior reservation.

Work sessions 2nd weekend

Runs on 4th weekend

Largo Central R. R.  (UPDATE Feb. 28) Largo, Fl. ** 7 1/2 gauge ** This track is located in a City Park that has a good unloading area and yard storage tracks.  A well thought out track plan makes for an interesting and enjoyable ride.  Public rides are given on the 1st full weekend of each month.  To run on this track all engines must be equipped with a headlight and a rear light on the end of the train even during the day.  It becomes apparent for this as you go through the recently installed tunnel that is pitch black in the middle.  Another interesting feature is the ride over the pond. Much new track and new crossties are now being installed.

Runs are on the first full weekend of each month.

Central Pasco and Gulf R. R.  (UPDATE Feb. 15) Brooksville, Fl. ** 7 1/2 gauge ** This track is located in Crews Lake Wilderness Park. New and very rapidly growing with approx one mile of track in operation with plans for approx 15,000 ft eventually. The railroad is based upon the Orange Belt Railway which ran through Pasco County.

    Work sessions each Saturday, public runs are on second Saturday.     

Veterans Memorial R. R.   Bristol, Fl. ** Two foot gauge ** Scenic half mile track located in Veterans Memorial Park. They expect some grant money which will be used to purchase a 2' Gauge Crown Live Steam Locomotive. It is coal fired and will be the only live steam locomotive operating in a public park in Florida. Additional infrastructure such as a coaling tower, ash pit and, possibly, a turntable will be built to service this train. An operating water tower has already been erected in the depot. They currently have down 2700 ft of track on which to run their amusement park type trains but plan serious expansion with the grant monies. Soon to have a "Golden Spike" ceremony for their expansion.

We currently have almost 30 layouts in 1 1/2 scale (or larger) in Florida.  They will be listed here when they send in their information.  If there is new information or upgrades to the above descriptions, please forward same.