activities · 5
what they do
direct service · 5
- Hosting events at party areasMakes four distinct party areas (Ford Station Patio, Diner Car Pavilion, Caboose Pavilion, and Boxcar Party Pavilion) available for events on Sundays during its regular operating season.
- Operating a Junior Engineer School program Youth Equine Education & Camp ProgramsOperates a hands-on Junior Engineer School program for children, providing instruction in train operation, safety, and horn use, followed by a supervised short trip on the track.
- Organizing an annual meet with work week and open running week Public Model Railroad Operating SessionsOrganizes an annual meet that includes a work week for maintenance of way (MOW) tasks and an open running week for train operations.
- Providing free public train rides Public Model Railroad Operating SessionsOffers free train rides on 20-40 minute routes every Sunday from October through April, serving hundreds of passengers at the Adobe Mountain Desert Railroad Park in Phoenix, AZ.
- Track maintenance and rebuilding Community Water Supply OperationsIs actively rebuilding or replacing all existing track and switches on main lines using plastic ties and steel rails.
strategies · 3
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Active Preservation Through Member-Led Model Building and Operation heritage_preservationPreserves railroad heritage by supporting member-driven research, construction, and operation of scale model locomotives and rail systems, fostering living history through direct engagement.
- Recreational Heritage Railroading for Public Engagement recreational heritage railroadingOffers family-friendly, scenic train experiences to engage the public and encourage repeat visitation, using recreational access as a vehicle for heritage exposure and community involvement.
- Safety-First Hands-On Train Operation safe hands-on operation with controlled speedEnables inclusive, hands-on experience with train operation for all ages by using custom joystick controls that limit speed to 2mph, ensuring safety while promoting active participation.
named programs · 4
what they call their work
Free Sunday Train Rides
Offers free train rides on different 20-40 minute routes every Sunday from October through April, between 11 am and 2 pm.
Party Area Rentals
Provides four party areas (Ford Station Patio, Diner Car Pavilion, Caboose Pavilion, Boxcar Party Pavilion) for birthday parties, company picnics, reunions, and other functions on Sundays during the regular run season.
Shelby's Junior Engineer School
Provides basic instruction and a hands-on experience for children and adults to operate a train with a custom-built joystick control at a limited speed of 2mph.
Spring Meet
An annual event for members and visitors, including a work week for track maintenance and an open running week for train operations.
relationships · 4
who they work with
- Facebook Partner — Shares photos from Junior Engineer School events on the organization's Facebook page with participant permission.
- Hurricane Harbor Waterpark Partner — Located across the street from the organization's railroad site.
- Larry Kirchner Funder — Volunteered to match donations to the MLS track fund up to $25,000 until April 1st, 2026.
- Maricopa County Park system Government — Manages the Adobe Mountain Desert Railroad Park where Maricopa Live Steamers operates.