Imagine the scent of burning coal, the striking sound of a steam whistle, and the unmistakable chuffing and chugging of a steam train as it rolls along the tracks. Now, imagine this experience scaled down to a size that might fit into one’s own backyard, along the lines of the famed Carolwood Pacific railway that ran through Walt Disney’s very own backyard.
Now, you’re beginning to get the idea of what you’ll find when you visit Long Island Live Steamers in Southaven County Park in Brookhaven. Riders of this railway find themselves giddy with anticipation as they climb aboard the 1 ½” scale trains on the ground line track. There is also a high line track that runs ¾” scale and 1″ scale trains. But, no matter which line you ride, a good time is sure to be had by all, both riders and engineers alike.
Long Island Live Steamers, Inc. is a club that was founded in 1966 with the intent to preserve the art of precision steam model making. The county has made available approximately 8.5 acres of land for club use, and in fulfillment of the public trust use of park land, The Long Island Live Steamers club hosts visitor rides on their Public Run Days. Located in Southaven County Park, in Brookhaven (between exits 57 & 58 off Route 27), Long Island Live Steamers is a 501(c)3, not for profit organization, operating for the education and enjoyment of the public. The members of the club also take great pride in preserving the history and wonderment of the glory days of railroading.
Public run days are scheduled for the second and last Sundays of each month from approximately the middle of May to the end of October. For more information about the scheduling of public run days, click here: http://www.lilivesteam.org/runday.php.
First time visitors are often amazed to see, hear and smell the engines chugging around the 1250 feet of elevated track and 4600 feet of ground line track that wanders through an immaculate wooded plot. Guests of all ages are invited to take a ride on their choice of the elevated or ground line track. After your first ride, you’ll understand why the members of this club are so passionate about their trains. Best of all, the Long Island Live Steamers members are excited to share their passion with the guests. If you have questions, simply ask.
After arriving at the west entrance to Southaven County Park off Gerrard Road, you will see a parking area to your right. Even from this distance, you may hear the whistles of the steam engines and other trains. After walking beneath an archway and up a path that veers to the right, you’ll see a snack bar and a small souvenir shop. Just beyond that lies a ticket booth. Although there is no charge to ride the trains, each passenger needs to have a ticket. Visit the ticket booth before you ride and you will have an opportunity to make a donation. Donations support the railroad, which, as you may have surmised, is a costly endeavor.
Once you have your tickets in hand, you wait on line for your turn to ride. Some days are busier than others, but the wait time is usually less than 20 minutes with as many as 8 trains running simultaneously on the four ground line tracks. The wait for the highline may be a bit longer as there is only single highline track, but the scenery and the experience are well worth the wait.
There is no limit to the number of times you may ride, as long as you have a ticket for each ride and as long as you don’t run out of daylight. Rides begin after 10:30 am and generally the last run takes place around 3:00 pm.
If you are riding the ground line rails, once you are safely on board and chugging cautiously out of the Southaven Station, you’ll note the distinct smell of burning coal has become more prominent. The steam clouds begin to rise up in front of you and sometimes, little particles of soot deposit themselves upon your face and clothing as you feel a grin widening across your face. After two turns around the length of the track you arrive at the end of the line – Jamaica Station. (You arrive at the same place you began your journey, however the departure side and arrival side of this depot each sport a different sign.)
After disembarking from the train, you will more than likely be ready for another ride. And, with as many as 8 different trains operating on the ground line track, you may actually opt for a ride on each one. Sometimes a certain blue engine who lives on the island of Sodor may even make an appearance and give some happy youngsters a memorable ride. You can make one single trip to the ticket booth and request multiple tickets, so you don’t have to go through the whole process again and again. Just make sure you have a ticket in hand before you stand in line for your ride.
In addition to the trains, there is a picnic area where you can enjoy your home packed picnic lunch or a snack that you purchase as the snack bar. Usually the snack bar has a few choices of hot and cold beverages and prepared snack food such as chips and donuts. The prices are quite reasonable and the profits support the club and the railroad.
The souvenir shop also offers quite a few items that may be of interest to train enthusiasts of all ages. There you will find wooden train whistles, patches, caps, gloves, t-shirts, sweatshirts, trinkets, books and small toys. The proceeds from the souvenir shop also help defray the operating costs of the Long Island Live Steamers.
Whether you come for a quick ride to quench your curiosity or plan on spending the day, you’ll certainly be glad you made the trip. You might also be interested in hosting a small party on a public run day, or perhaps your charity would like to host an event here. Please note that reservations must be made in advance. Check out their site for details and directions to the park. http://www.longislandlivesteamers.org/index.php