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Prairie State Railroad Club

The Prairie State Railroad Club is comprised of railroad enthusiasts who share a passion for the building and operation of large scale model railroad equipment. Model railroads come in many different scales (the relative size of the model compared to a full-size or prototype). Ours is 1:8 or 1-1/2" scale, meaning that on average, the locomotives and other railroad cars are 1/8" the size of the real thing. The gauge (distance between the rails) of our track is 7-1/2" gauge, which makes it possible for the engineer to actually ride his train and perhaps even carry a few passengers.

Modeling in this general size, is generically referred to as "live steam railroading" because it is practical size to build models of steam locomotives that actually use steam for propulsion and are large enough for the engineer to ride on as well. Besides steam locomotive operators, the "live steam" hobby now includes persons who favor diesel locomotives (usually gasoline or battery powered) or electric railway cars such as interurbans. At Prairie State, we welcome them all! In fact, you do not need to own any equipment to participate in the club’s activities.

It should be noted that the operation of these scale model trains is solely for the enjoyment of their owners and guests is not to be confused with miniature railroads that are sometimes found at amusement parks or zoos. The railroads at those venues are considerably larger and are designed specifically to haul large numbers of passengers. For that reason the club does not accommodate the general public with the exception of a few events that are conducted under the auspices of other organizations.

The Prairie State Railroad Club began as an informal organization in 1982, when the Northern Illinois Steam Power Club – an organization devoted to the preservation and exhibition of antique steam powered tractors and related farming implements, asked several persons active in the "live steam railroading" hobby if they would build and operate a small loop of track to demonstrate miniature live steam railroading at the NISPC’s annual meet held near Sycamore, Illinois. A loop of track measuring about 400 feet in circumference was quickly built and trains were operated for that year’s meet.

In 1983, this informal group incorporated as the Prairie State Railroad Club, an Illinois not-for-profit corporation. Its primary activity continued to be the operation of the demonstration miniature railway at the NISPC’s annual meet. Another important club activity has been educating the general public about safe conduct around railroad facilities and crossings, including distribution of "Operation Lifesaver" materials at Club-sponsored events.

Due to limited space, however, the club began to look for another location where a more extensive track layout could be built for year-round use. In 1990, the club reached an agreement to build a track at Kenny Field (also known as Plowman’s Park) in Big Rock, Illinois. Located next to a busy Burlington Northern Railway freight line, this wooded site is the club’s main operating location (operations are still conducted at the Sycamore site when the NISPC is conducting its annual meet). A round trip around the railroad is about one mile. Other club facilities include a long curved trestle and an engine house.]

The Prairie State Railroad Club encourages anyone who has an interest in building and operating 7-1/2" gauge model railroad equipment to visit our facilities, attend our meetings and most importantly, join our organization. We are entirely comprised of dues paying members who enjoy the association of persons sharing a love of railroads and the operation of miniature "live steam" railroads in particular.

Members are encouraged to volunteer their time in support of the club’s activities. Club activities include not only running trains (the best part!), but also assisting in the maintenance of the tracks/facilities, lending a hand at public outreach events and attending to the many important administrative tasks that keep the club going.

Come see what we are about! You will find a schedule of our open run days, membership meetings, and other activities listed on the Events page of this site.