Train Mountain Tour Part 2: Morning Freight Car Moves from Lillyville to Main Yard

[@ccootsona]

Please note that this is NOT my personal railroad. It's owned by Train Mountain Institute (a non-profit) and maintained by a few dedicated workers and many volunteers and members. Members who pay dues (usually under $100/year) are allowed to operate their own equipment on the railroad. Special meets have additional fees to cover the cost of hosting all the people and their equipment. It's a great community of people who work together to maintain this massive infrastructure with over 36 miles of track covering over 2200 acres! If you are interested in visiting or becoming a member, please check out the website for visiting hours, meet schedules, membership forms. Even if you don't have your own train, there are generally lots of people with empty seats available to ride during the meets. trainmountain.org/

[@CMDRFandragon]

100 years from now, people explore this place after everyone is dead and gone and think they unearthed an ancient gnomish settlement.

[@ccootsona]

That's great! They will see tens of thousands of plastic railroad ties and wonder why this civilization had to build so much track in such a small area.

[@chrisgibsonjr6777]

I hope the entire population isn't dead and gone in only a hundred years😂

[@johngriecosr8723]

WOW!! I can't believe what I just watched, i have watched small gauge ridable trains video before, but none like this one. I live in Hayden, Idaho now from southern California, so i think i may be closer now to come for a visit and have a wonderful joy ride thru that beautiful countryside. That is fantastic what all of you have done. That is definitely a national treasure!!! John from Hayden, Idaho

[@ccootsona]

Glad you enjoyed it, John. If you check out the website, www.trainmountain.org/ you can see when they have meets, which have lots of train activity. The triennial is espcially big with hundreds of trains of all kinds.

[@remcobarbe2788]

That was amazing. I liked the way you talked to us to provide context.

[@ccootsona]

@@remcobarbe2788 Thanks for the feedback. I generally figured people didn't want to hear me blather on about trains but it occurred to me that many viewers haven't been there and likely don't have much experience with full size trains. I'm glad this was enjoyable and I'll keep going with this style next spring when we return.

[@lestergertz5078]

I live very close to "Live Steam" Mtn. in Chiloquin Oregon. I've seen this place grow to be HUGE over the last 50 years. It started with 30acs and I believe 20 more have been added over the years. Very impressive track system that goes on for miles. Lots of exhibits and events to see and do. Fun family place. I understand they put in a campground. Enjoy MW

[@ccootsona]

@@lestergertz5078 That's a beautiful area to live. The railroad is now over 2000 acres and 36 miles of track with all the space on the north side. The maintenance requirements have slowed the expansion because it takes a lot of volunteer work to keep it all up.

[@juppschmitz2972]

Never seen something like this.... it's f-a-n-t-a-s-t-i-c !!! 👍👍

[@ccootsona]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@stuartatkins5425]

Impressive layout and outstanding tour narrative too. Thanks for sharing.

[@ccootsona]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@dienadel30]

What a cool railroad ! Love the pits so people can work on their trains.

[@ccootsona]

Glad you like it. We always enjoy visiting. Those steaming bays are very helpful for access, and they have power, compressed air, and water, so people can fire up steamers or recharge electrics. It's a great setup!

[@stanleydomalewski8497]

Wow, Magnificent Layout !❤❤😊

[@ccootsona]

Train Mountain has been decades in the making by many volunteers and a few staff members. We pay a small annual membership and that allows us to bring equipment to run. Evenyone pitches in to keep it maintained and it's fun to be a part of it.

[@donstor1]

Man, i wish my dad was alive to see this thing. He was born in 1923 and his dad worked for a railroad and my dad spent a lot of time on steam trains as a boy. He was really into model railroading and had he known about train mountain, he would have moved up there and probably lived in one of the towns. That or the roundhouse helping people with their steam engines. I think i would enjoy it up there but you sure have to know those routes. Thanks for this video.

[@ccootsona]

You are welcome. We are having the big Triennial meet next June 21-29, 2025 with a work week beforehand. If you can get the time, it's an unforgettable experience. I volunteered in the back shop last triennial to help repair people's trains and solve problems and had a blast. In fact I hardly ran daytime trains because I spent most of the time in the shop. It's really something you have to see in person because the video is only a small part. The scale of the property, infrastructure, and community of neat people make it a special place. I run full sized steam and diesel locomotives on occasion, but this is such a different experience with less work so we come here to relax.

[@paulw.woodring7304]

I'm a retired Eastern U. S. Class I railroader, somewhat familiar with Pennsy signals as well as color light signals. I think TM uses a version of the GCOR rule book, so some aspects may be different from my experience. The color light high signal in the first video showing Red-over-Red-over-Green should be a "Slow Clear" (slow speed through switches, turnouts, etc., then clear for track speed). In this video the first scale PRR signal at the bridge was displaying "Approach Medium" (approach the next signal not exceeding medium speed - whatever that is for TM). The first full-size dwarf signal after that first one displays "Slow Approach" (slow speed through switches, etc., then be prepared to stop at next signal - under PRR rules dwarf signal meanings can be different from high signals), but changes to a "Restricting" aspect when you realign the switch (proceed at restricted speed - in this case it means you're leaving signaled territory and entering yard trackage). The next scale PRR high signal is also displaying a "Restricting" aspect, again for entering a yard. Interesting set of videos, I appreciate the explanations.

[@ccootsona]

Thank you for the detailed descriptions of the signal aspects! Yours are far more accurate than my simplistic descriptions. Most of my full size railroading experience is with logging steam locomotives on non-signalized lines with only an occasional run on main lines as a guest with a pilot, so I appreciate the information. Unlike full size railroads, TM doesn't require GCOR for crew, and instead uses a safety video that covers basic signal aspects regarding stop, approach, and clear. They do appear to be set up as you descrbed, so the more experienced Class 1 guys can appreciate the detail.

[@bendavis6722]

@@ccootsona enjoyed the video going to watch some Jaw Tooth train videos plus Adam the Woo videos sorry for getting off topic.

[@lifestyle936]

I enjoy this channel. I work on 18 wheelers and freight trains so it's nice to have the operators perspective.

[@ccootsona]

Thanks! Glad you liked it. Next time I take the steam locomotive I'm going to find a way to mount the camera so you can see that perspective too!

[@craigvanderborgh4324]

This is absolutely unbelievable. I can't believe all this has been built.

[@ccootsona]

Yes, I was blows away the first time I attended. It's a fun community of dedicated people and they get stuff done!

[@anthonydebski5814]

How VERY excellent!!! SO lucky to have the land! just WOW!!

[@ccootsona]

Thanks! The founders had a vision to make it the world's largest 7.5" gauge railroad and they succeeded. There are many neat railroads running 7.5" gauge track but nothing near the scale of this place. It's a pretty cool place and great community of dedicated people of all ages who keep it running. That community and the sense that my efforts are going to something that will last for a long time are what draw me to spend time volunteering somewhere.

[@jimb196233]

I first thought this was somebody's private property that had somehow purchased trains and built the tracks themselves. This is so cool, It reminds me of Six Flags, l would love to take a ride. would love to take a ride

[@elomax90]

Wow I'm amazed it looks great. If I had this I would just play all day like a big kid😂

[@ccootsona]

Many people have done exactly that, especially when they retire. It keeps them engaged and in good shape with all the projects. Winters can be a little cold but it's a beautiful area.

[@LelaE34]

Me too. I love trains.

[@chadatkins9053]

That's what I'm saying it would be really fun for sure

[@billr8667]

Thanks for posting this great tour of an amazing place. I wish I lived closer so I could experience it in person.

[@BriggsCanyon]

@@billr8667 If you want the ultimate TMRR experience, take a vacation trip up to the Triennial next year!

[@ccootsona]

@@BriggsCanyon yes, we will be there with steamer and electric goose! It should be a great event. At the last triennial I volunteered to help people in the back shop which always proves interesting!

[@BriggsCanyon]

@@ccootsona My wife is trying to plan for me to Triennial 2025, and she is going to head to Cannon Beach...lol. I won't be able to bring my equipment as we will be flying in.

[@ccootsona]

​@@BriggsCanyon Great, I hope to see you there. I'm always amazed at some of the equipment that shows up, especially the steam locomotives. When you are there, find me and we'll go for a ride.

[@ccootsona]

Glad you enjoyed it. We live about 7.5 hours away so it's most of the day to get there when we add in meals and stops. Some members and visitors come from across the US, and even Australia, especially for the big triennial that will happen next year. At the last meet two guys shipped the parts for an electric locomotive and built it on site!

[@paulschofield2630]

Great scenery lovely 😍 property, ❤ great video, thanks really enjoyed 😉 ❤ ❤ 😊

[@haroldseaman4243]

Well i just sent the info to my travel agent (wife) the place looks amazing not to mention Crater lake is beautiful!!! Checked out Chiloquin very similar something you would find here in Michigan i love eating at casino's can't wait to visit 😊

[@ccootsona]

That's great! Just be careful because when my wife and I went we got hooked and became members. We are 7-8 hours away by car so we go for several days at a time to make it worth the trip. I hope to see you there sometime!

[@AlexNunes-z6v]

That would be so cool in an RV park for kids to ride on a fun day in the park as well

[@ccootsona]

They are open to the public during operating season trainmtn.org/pages/visitors-1.shtml. If you are a member, they have a huge RV area in the lower meadow with several sidings so you can park your train in front of your campsite!

[@wellardme]

This is the most awesome thing ever! I'd even volunteer to clean toilets in that place to be allowed to drive trains.

[@ccootsona]

@@wellardme Glad you enjoyed it! Membership is around $75 a year and that allows you to bring your own equipment. Each big meet has a fee but it's not much. However, as a guest you can still help out and work on train crews so there are lots of ways to be involved.

[@wellardme]

@ccootsona thanks so much for your speedy reply 😊 I'm in the UK and I would sell everything to move there to be a member and help out.

[@BriggsCanyon]

Great video, Craig!

[@EVENSOAMEN]

COOLEST TRAIN SET EVER!!!! HOW CAN THE VIDEO HAVE ONLY 250K!!!!

[@ccootsona]

Thanks for the kind words. I've never had a video get that popular until this one so I'll take what I can get! It was exciting to watch the comments and subscribers jump up. I'll post another multi part series next summer when we go back.

[@paulschofield2630]

I wanna buy a train and get involved!! ❤ ❤ Looks great fun 😁 😂 cheers 🍻 from Australia 🇦🇺 😊

[@ccootsona]

That's how many of us got sucked in. I recall that some Aussies regularly visit here with their trains. I don't have their contact information but you might find their info by emailing the office. You would likely see them here at the big Triennial meet this summer. Schedule here: trainmountain.org/

[@jeffguy1145]

Cool video

[@frankcerne7613]

Nice neat track laying

[@jimjams8320]

That is love. Very impressive

[@TheNorthwestWind]

need to go here!

[@ccootsona]

Yes, but be careful, you'll get hooked and keep going back like we did!

[@jasmine7576]

いろいろな列車があり実物より楽しいそぅ！🤩広大な敷地と設備で羨ましいです。

[@ccootsona]

Glad you enjoyed it! Train Mountain is the world's largest miniature railroad. They have over 36 miles of 7.5 gauge track over 2205 acres of pine forest.

[@TimothyBroome-ej1wp]

This is impressive I enjoyed this 😊 62yrs old and I really enjoyed watching this video and seeing the tracks and bridge's and the rail yard with the train's. I subscribed for more and I'd watch part 2 but I live in Georgia and my power went out like everyone else in the state after hurricane Helene last night and my tablet battery is almost dead I'll be back whenever I get power back on!!

[@ccootsona]

@@TimothyBroome-ej1wp Glad you liked it! Stay safe in that weather!

[@69adrummer]

dang, that is so cool. I'm looking at the trees and I'm thinking, man, that looks like the Bend, Oregon area... then and I click on the link, and I guess I wasn't too far off.

[@ccootsona]

Yes, we go through Bend on the way there. The other option is I-5 to Springfield but that route is not nearly as scenic as taking highway 26 to 97

[@njanzen1]

great video brings back memories for me

[@mikelecompte4737]

That was beyond cool! Very nice indeed!😊

[@robbcamp682]

This is so cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@longrider42]

Could you treat the ties with Boiled Linseed oil? It would not be cheap, but it would protect the ties. Such a wonderful video, and some great scenery.

[@ccootsona]

Good idea. This yard is one of the last areas with wood ties. Due to the extreme weather conditions and sun exposure, the railroad is gradually converting from wood to synthetic plastic ties (like Trex decking) because they hold up much better over time. They arrive in large quantities where the track shop cuts them to length and makes panel track. The panels are loaded onto long flat cars and moved to the installation location on the railroad.

[@brianevans5616]

This is really interesting and cool.

[@ccootsona]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I'll pst more when we go back next spring!

[@SB5SimulationsFerroviairesEEP]

Cool! Thank You! Stéph.

[@Weshole5W]

I hope those are spring switches! You ran through a bunch of em reversed!😂

[@ccootsona]

Yes, everything out there is a spring switch or kick switch so you can run through them without damage. They have two types, sprung switches that realign for the selected route, and the kick switches that act like variable switches and kick over to the route last run. There are varying levels of railroad experience so rigid switches would be forever bad-ordered.

[@Weshole5W]

@@ccootsona I can definitely understand why you would design it that way. I have spent a lot of years on the railroad and it is a lot of work fixing switches that have been ran through. The setup you have is super cool I love it!

[@r.ccustomtruckingsydneyaus4632]

Just like to say great video I subbed an liked . This is rite up my alley keep them coming please

[@ccootsona]

Thanks! I'll keep posting when we go back next spring. Next summer (June) is the big Triennial with hundreds of trains and thousands of visitors so we should have lots to show then too!

[@bobbygregory7506]

AMAZING!!! PLACE!!!👍🚂👍🚂👍💯

[@nitrofish1974]

Awesome ride 😎

[@paulschofield2630]

Nice hat 👒 😊 ❤

[@ccootsona]

Thanks! Katie made a few of these bonnets for herself because the sun is really intense at Train Mountain. We both have about as much skin melanin as a fresh spring roll so we have to cover up or we burn quickly.

[@eddiebate3444]

Brilliant.

[@popples4973]

👍🏻Definitely way too cool. Looks like an awesome time. 🚂🚃🚃🚃Woo-woo !!!

[@christopherm1475]

Wow, look at those giants!!!

[@Watchdoc65]

That is cool! Wow!

[@actionjackson9554]

Wow excellent efforts..love to be a grounds keeper helper.😅

[@ccootsona]

Thanks. They can always use extra help. We usually spend the week preceeding the meets helping with the work parties because there is so much to do.

[@danielson101]

SOO COOL!

[@jesus-e9w7h]

This is so Awesome! And Ia'm just finding this Channel! :)

[@ccootsona]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@hajimetakahashi632]

how fast you can go on the track with your curent trains? also build a shinkansen line with higher speed! would be fun

[@ccootsona]

@@hajimetakahashi632 the maximum speed at Train Mountain is 7 mph. The Green Goose is capable of higher speeds but I don't want to get thrown off if something goes wrong!

[@hajimetakahashi632]

@@ccootsona ah yes nice, really cool made track I like!

[@frankortolano5886]

That is very cool,indeed

[@Darryl6636]

You just ran through the switch now the crew is facing a 30 day suspension or termination if you already are carrying some brownies

[@ccootsona]

Yes, they are all sprung or variable point so we run though them all day there! It takes a bit of getting used to after working on 1:1 scale.

[@wesmatson5921]

WOW WOW WOW not cheep stuff.....IM PRESIVE...

[@ccootsona]

Thanks, glad you liked it. My locomotive and flat car were fairly inexpensive. I probably have less that $1K in the hobby for the build materals. Train Mountain Institute of course has more funding from donations and volunteers to lay the track and maintain the infrastructure. Many of the other members own the rolling stock you see in the background, and some paid decent money for them. I prefer to build my own because I like the process and it saves tons of money.

[@M00th]

Cant wait to bring the B&O Geep up next june!

[@ccootsona]

@@M00th Great! see you there!

[@staller3887]

So cool…

[@klauspetersenf1461]

Wow…😮 Nice

[@imatree1540]

Im glad to see the fire hasn't gotten there

[@ccootsona]

Yes, the wind shifted and prevented the fire from spreading that direction. It burned some acrage on the north side near Hope circle but thankfully missed most of the structures and never crossed the highway to the south side of the peoperty.

[@danpayan9468]

How many mile of track I remember as a kid going to travel town I n Hollywood and ee have in Costa Mesa OCME 5 MILES OF TRACK

[@ccootsona]

Train Mountain has 36 miles of track over 2205 acres, the world's largest 7.5" gauge railroad. We can go for over 2 hours without traveling on the same track twice.

[@danpayan9468]

@ccootsona it's so realistic with the miniature structures but pine needles are a pain where's this park?

[@ccootsona]

@@danpayan9468 It's near Chiloquin, OR here is the link: trainmountain.org/

[@markabston1451]

i wish i could come to train mountin that part of the US

[@darrenadams13]

WOW.. Where exactly is all this located ?.. I would LUV to see that in person !

[@ccootsona]

@@darrenadams13 it's at Train mountain Railroad in Chiloquin, Oregon. The closest big city is Klamath Falls. Here is their website where you can find their operating schedule. I would recommend checking out the triennial coming up next summer because it will have hundreds of trains from all over the country. www.trainmtn.org/tmrr/index.shtml

[@albiggers9348]

Enjoyed the video, especially the commentary. Excellent job. However, your power unit is not "Goose". It is a "Rail Truck" or a "Road-Rail" or something along that line. A "Goose" is short name for a Galloping Goose which is the popular name given to a series of seven railcars, built in the 1930s by the Rio Grande Southern Railroad and operated until the end of service on the line in the early 1950s. They were derived from full-sized automobiles.

[@ccootsona]

Glad you enjoyed it. I've caught flack from several people who recognize that the 7 "Galloping Geese" from Rio Grande Southern were best known. However, I've seen the term used on other motor rail equipment and when I found an old "Flying Goose" bicycle head badge to mount on my radiator, it became the "Green Goose" in my own little world. This page shows the Hartford Eastern gas car also called the Galloping Goose that looks nothing like what we imagine a goose to be: www.discoverdarrington.com/history-2/historical-places/big-four-inn/

[@Sourdo1]

I'd love to have a Nickle for every Tie!

[@ccootsona]

Yes, there are many ties. They get them custom made using a synthetic plastic similar to TREX. I don't recall the cost of the synthetic ties but the costs are significant when multiplied over 36 miles of track, plus the tie plates, screws, ballast, and rail. It's pretty amazing when you see it it person.

[@davigorb]

How many other locomotives are there, you keep talking about watching for "on- coming traffic"?

[@ccootsona]

Great question! The amount of traffic depends on the number of trains that attend. For some meets, it's busy enough that we have a dispatcher and yardmaster who grant authority just like full sized trains. For Triennial, they have over 400 trains so traffic can be quite heavy, but they are spread out over 37 real miles of track. This meet was a little less populated so we probably had a dozen or so out on the line that day. In between meets, we can nearly have the whole railroad to ourselves with the exception of the tour trains during the day.

[@ElementX32]

Wow, how I would love to own 100 acres of land with a train setup like this. That would be a awesome/fun way to survey your land and work on your farm. Anyone have an idea how much this cost?

[@ccootsona]

Train Mountain is a non-profit that relies on hundreds of volunteers and a few paid staff to maintain it. The amount of maintenance is enormous, with pine needle raking, track work, buildings, signals, landscaping. When we visit, we plan a couple days before the big meets to help with those projects. Just the track work alone must have cost millions in materials over the decades. Here is their website with more informaiton on the organizations that govern it: trainmountain.org/

[@jonajames925]

Im amazed at how much weight the tracks can hold. They seem small on video. Whats the track gauge?

[@ccootsona]

@@jonajames925 the track gauge is 7 1/2 inches. The railroad tie material is a synthetic plastic like Trex. Some of the larger locomotives can weigh over 800 pounds each and if you add up all the cars behind it and the riders, it's some serious tonnage! Even my little 0-4-2 steam locomotive, propane car, and two flat cars, are nearly 1000 pounds total weight if you include myself and conductor.

[@jaimz33]

Is there an aerial picture so you can see the whole layout

[@ccootsona]

Yes, they have several maps published on the website that give an idea of the scale. The South side is more condensed track and has it own map because when you add the north side, the south condenses so small it's hard to see. Here is the link to the maps trainmtn.org/tmrr/pages/tp_maps_2006.shtml

[@jaimz33]

@ccootsona thanks

[@danielson101]

sry i no now, unbelievably so Cool!

[@ccootsona]

Yes, the grade gets up to just over 3% on one main line but most everywhere else is 2% or less. It makes for challenging work with my little locomotive because we can't haul too many cars at a time along that line. They have other ways of getting to the top that reduce that grade but it takes a little longer.

[@marklacy5011]

Very impressive! Where is this located?

[@ccootsona]

It's at Train Mountain Railroad near Chiloquin, OR. Here is a link to their website trainmountain.org/visit/

[@brucejordan972]

?! So what track gauge do you operate on with your rolling stock 🤔. ? bj. N scaler.

[@ccootsona]

@@brucejordan972 this is 7.5" gauge track. My equipment scales roughly 3.5" /foot.

[@michaelsullivan4213]

How long did it take to put down all of the track?? Hou much did it cost.

[@ccootsona]

Train Mountain was founded in 1987 and they have been building and rebuilding ever since then. I think there are currently about 36 miles of track on 2200 acres. They rely on some paid full time people and a lot of volunteers to keep it maintained. Here is a link to the history: trainmtn.org/tmrr/pages/about_us.shtml#:~:text=Train%20Mountain%20was%20founded%20in,based%20on%20Quentin's%20tax%20problems.

[@ccootsona]

It's decades in the making and always improving. The ties and rail are easily in the tens of thousands of dollars per mile, especially with the plastic ties and steel rail. They rely on volunteer help and a small staff of full time people to maintain it all. You can read more about it here: trainmtn.org/

[@bmoneygeez]

How did u mine that much iron 🤯

[@edwardfast4525]

Where is this I love it I want a ride

[@ccootsona]

Train Mountain near Chiloquin, OR. Here is their website. trainmountain.org/

[@bird65413]

Is this where they filmed land of the giants?

[@carbonfibercreationswashin7213]

Did that business in Fresno CA sell you some of the train components?

[@ccootsona]

I'm not sure who that business is but it's possible. I scratch built my equipment with the exception of the couplers, wheels, and frame for the Green Goose.

[@MichaelGibson5047]

Or will the railroad pull the tracks before then

[@romanrusavuk7764]

How much did this cost. This is fantastic

[@ccootsona]

Anyone can ride free (donations accepted) during visitor hours trainmtn.org/pages/visitors-1.shtml I think individual memberships are around $70 per year if you want to bring your own train.

[@ccootsona]

I spent less than $1K to buld my Green Goose locomotive and flat cars. The only things I bought for the flat cars were the couplers and wheels. The rest was metal laying around the shop and oak shipping pallet wood for the decking.

[@Big.G5137]

Where is you all located at

[@ccootsona]

This is at Train Mountain near Chiloquin, OR. The nearest larger town is Klamath falls.

[@Thekalllllllll]

This is like an automated sushi belt for mountain lions

[@ccootsona]

Ha, I can see that. Thankfully there are only a couple mountain lion sightings each year and they usually run away when they see people.

[@danielson101]

what percent grade on hill?

[@1974rail]

Where is this at?

[@ccootsona]

Train Mountain Railroad in Chiloquin, Oregon. trainmtn.org/tmrr/index.shtml

[@timlange531]

It seems you go through a lot of switches set against you.

[@ccootsona]

Indeed, they are all variable point so it standard practice on this railroad.

[@Spaceisgr8]

i don't even know where to begin to search. Does anyone know if there is anything remotely similar to this place around North Carolina? I love trains, but video games just don't do it for me.

[@ccootsona]

There are many smaller railroads that run these size trains. Try lsearching for "live steam" or "7.5" gauge railroad" and you might find something in a search. On the eastern side of the US, some run 7.25" gauge which are not interchangable despite there only being 1/4" difference. There are several in washington and oregon that are just as much fun and provide rides for public enjoyment though none as large at Train Mountain.

[@Spaceisgr8]

I may just have to fly out there. Any good hotels nearby. Maybe stay a week

[@ccootsona]

@@Spaceisgr8 There are several places to stay in the area at different price points. I'd recommend flying out during one of the meets or the triennial because you'll see way more activity and can usually get ride to see more if people have an open seat on their train.

[@jerrypolverino6025]

Where is this? I want to visit.

[@ccootsona]

@@jerrypolverino6025 Train Mountain Railroad near Chiloquin , OR . Here is their website trainmtn.org/tmrr/index.shtml

[@Jonesoregon]

What is the cost of admission?

[@ccootsona]

It's free to the public! They have a suggested donation to help maintain the place but not required.

[@Jonesoregon]

@ccootsona awesome I will donate and my son would love it. When is the best time to visit?

[@ccootsona]

@@Jonesoregon The best time would be during one of the meets when the most trains are active. The triennial is the largest meet with hundreds of trains. You can also get rides from many train owers because most have spare seats. Here is the website where you can find information on vistior hours and meet schedules. trainmountain.org/visit/

[@Jonesoregon]

@@ccootsona thank you I will look into it. Thank you for taking the time to reply very cool.

[@ccootsona]

@@Jonesoregon Glad you are interested. Maybe we'll see you at triennial!

[@thefencepost]

I keep hearing 'North Portal Circle' but on the website maps it's labeled 'South Portal Circle'. Is that a typo on the map? Or, has the name been changed since the map was made?

[@ccootsona]

@@thefencepost that's just me calling it by the wrong name. It's a circle of track near the tunnel portal to the North side so I always think of ot from that perspective but it really is call the South Portal (coming from the North sit to the South).

[@thefencepost]

@@ccootsona I understand it could be confusing. The circle that leads you to the North part of Train Mountain is called South Portal. To my logic it should be called North Portal. Oh well, no big issue. I will never have the opportunity to visit and take a ride to South Portal so Thanks for the tour.

[@r.ccustomtruckingsydneyaus4632]

I think that 1/14 scale Tamiya trucks trailers driving around this place would be awesome. Opens it up for R.c Hobby's and for the train community to get into R.c trucking earth moving equipment. Everything IV seen looks to scale and I think a 1/14 scale truck beside all these trains would look so to scale. Because trains are actually little bigger an my own trucks trailers I imagine a scale size train in 1/14 scale I could near sit on a train in 1/14 scale. So maybe G scale is about our 1/14 scale. I wonder my new friend. Can you possibly put Tamiya tractor trucks besides one your trains. . Little roads around. Hell most the tracks course for r c trucking is already there too the mini towns display is all the actual size of my own building I use in 1/14th scale. So is why I am so wondering. Maybe a great idea guys to add R.c trucking to this train track an town . Will open things up for all the hobbies so much. Now that's something will keep me looking an Watching this channel. . I think it's cool as. But the need for loading and unloading can be fun through remote controlled trucks trailers . . Make this a full on functional town by us of club members train hobby would pick up heaps as well as the truck r.c hobby. Bringing them together is only a clear sign to make them all one hobby. . I feel these trucks trailers would look spot on to scale loading these trains . Hell I can sit on my trailer an my r c truck pulls me around and I'm 100kg. Not a problem. . Can you compare these hobbies please mate. Put some trucks Tamiya around that town an besides these trains. . I got a great feeling about it. . Help me out here I'm from Australia. And would love to see my own mini town come alive if only had the land space. So I have only earth equipment digging an mini town no trains but. Would love one to our scale 1/14th id imagine would be massive like these too . Because my trucks are not small either

[@ccootsona]

That's a cool idea! I don't have any RC trucks for comparison but I've seen that if someone is really passionate about one aspect, there is usually room to develop the idea. G-ville started that way with a hobbies who wanted to build a G scale layout. Regarding scale, there are several main scales that run on the 7.5" gauge tracks there. The majority are 1.5"/foot or 1:8 scale which represent standard gauge equipment, followed by 2.5"/foot or 1:5 scale, which generally represent narrow gauge trains due to the narrow track relative to the body width. Some people even run 3.5"/foot or nearly 1:3 scale, which is almost big enough to ride in instead of on. With gauge to body size ratios, the narrow gauge stuff end up being the largest body size.

[@nosbig999]

Hello, if I were your Road Forman of Engines I would be asking you why you ran through the first switch you came to.😂 The route was not lined up sir! Write yourself up! :28 seconds in the video...look at the switch points.....I did enjoy your video. But let's make sure you line your route up properly so we don't derail anything😂😂😂😂

[@ccootsona]

I appreciate your humor! This whole railroad uses spring switches or variable point switches. This assures that people of all levels of training don't make a mess of the railroad and smooths out the operation. It certainly takes some getting used to for those of use who work 1:1 scale. We still have to be on the lookout for improperly lined facing point switches because sometimes they don't spring back completely!

[@nosbig999]

@@ccootsona glad you liked the comment, I work for NS, and ready to retire in 2 years...Thank God. I did enjoy the video. Be safe and happy railroading!

[@AvaRVlogs]

What scale is this

[@ccootsona]

The track is 7.5" gauge. Most equipment is 1.5"/foot or 2.5"/foot

[@tedwallace1866]

Are you looking for an engine for your line i know of a live steam engine for sale

[@ccootsona]

Thanks for the offer. I'm only a member so I can't speak for the railroad, but they generally aren't in the market for steamers because of the maintenance. Most of the railroad-owned fleet are gasoline-hydraulic and a few newer electrics. All the steamers that operate on the line are privately owned and operated. I've seen people post for-sale items there through the main office if you are looking to sell equipment. Here is their website in case you want to check it out or contact them directly: www.trainmountain.org/

[@j.s.3297]

👍🚂🚂

[@davidrogers6287]

20 min from my home

[@robertmanning8246]

THERES A PLACE IN ATHOL IDA; THAT HAS A TRAIN BUT NOT THAT FAR ITS An AMUSEMENT PARK W RIDES AND GAMES

[@ccootsona]

Yes, Silverwood Theme Park has a 3' gauge steam train that runs around the park. They have lots of coasters and a water park too.

[@rickyalger8569]

deep pockets

[@ccootsona]

Train Mountain RR is owned by Train Mountain Institute, a non profit who relies on a few paid staff and lots of volunteer help and donations to maintain the vast infrastructure. It's a neat community of people who come together diuring the work week before each meet to help out.

[@blankslate1198]

Jeeez! Settle down with that camera sloshin' around. This is impossible to watch, tho I wish I could. Bye.

[@ccootsona]

Sorry about that. I use primitive gear (hand held iphone the whole time) so it's the best I have right now. I tried a simple mount but the video was too shaky. I'm looking into a camera mount that absorbs track vibration and will give more consistent views.

[@midbc1midbc199]

You employ Giants at your train station.......Aren't you afraid they will eat the children?. Oh well equal opportunity employer I guess. 😂

[@ccootsona]

They keep lots of snacks around to discourage the consumption of children. Giants have the size advantage to rerail trains by hand which saves the mobilization fee for the big equipment. Some even opt to push cars by hand during tricky switch moves, to save time.

[@stevenallen2530]

I had no Idea this place existed, Who owns it and what's the deal. How about having a train sounding horn, yours sounds like a sick frog.

[@ccootsona]

There was no way to put air compressor, tank, and horn on the Green Goose so it got the old Klaxon horn. Railroad is called Train Mountain and it's open to visitors and members. Here is a link to the website trainmountain.org/visit/

[@whattelsetv7980]

Tell me ur rich without saying ur rich

[@ccootsona]

This railroad is owned by a non-profit organization. here is their website that shows the structure of the nonprofit: trainmountain.org/

[@dextardextar]

no

[@hisinvisibleness-fn8qj]

His kids think he is god😂

[@steveclayton9807]

I guess this is for people that can't work for a real railroad.

[@josephcox4319]

Why watch this then and just go about your business I don't see anything on your channel. Joined in 2022 and one subscriber so this makes you a troll I guess that's for those that can't get a real life.

[@ccootsona]

Many of us do both because apparently we can't get enough in our time off. I have 24 years with an excursion railroad qualified on steam, but very little mainline experience except a few specials here and there with a pilot. Some members are retired, and others have careers that prevent them from working in 1:1 scale. The value with a diverse group of people is that they all have different interests which is critical to maintain such a large infrastructure. From raking pine needles to working on the blocks and signals, there is something for everyone. The advantage with this scale is you run your own show, and don't have to answer to a supervisor or pee in a cup if you have a mishap. I also enjoy building my equipment.

[@steveclayton9807]

@josephcox4319 I listen to KZbin for music. I spent 22 years with Norfolk Southern, and we used to laugh at the rail fans or, as we really called them, rail nuts and foamers. Spending all day chasing and watching trains. Now, that's people that don't have a life.

[@ccootsona]

@@steveclayton9807 I feel like I should say thank you for your service because it's not easy working that long for a class 1. The impact on family is similar to military service. I hear you on the foamer situation. They tend to be an insufferable crowd. They are really good at suggesting all the ways a railroad should spend money on things that don't make any business sense. When I invite them to volunteer their time to make a difference, they are nowhere to be seen except lineside taking photos and trespassing (for full sized railroading). Thankfully Train Mountain tends to attract hard workers and requires thousands of labor hours to keep everything going. An occasional foamer shows up but they usually get put to work if it's not a big meet.