MARS SHORTLINE RAILROAD (MSRR)
Our Shortline Railroad is now OPEN for the season.
Rides will continue – weather depending – every Friday from 10am – 2pm until late October.
Please see our Facebook page for updates and status of rides each Friday morning.
Facts about the MSRR
- Built in 2013
- 1 1/2″ scale model railroad
- 7 1/2 gauge railroad (7 1/2″ inside measurement between the rails)
- Locomotive is an exact 1 1/2 scale version of a real switcher-type diesel
- Powered by a 6 hp Honda engine
- Riding cars are also 1 1/2 scale versions of real size train cars
- Layout is approximately 1000ft long
- Circles the perimeter of the 1 1/2 acre MAHLS campus
- Ride takes approximately 11 minutes, including loading and unloading (we usually do 2 – 3 trips around).
- The train holds up to 14 riders at a time.
- We estimate that we take ~500 trips during Fridays each season. That’s about 7000 turns for riders!
- Look closely and you’ll see that the track switches position to bring you closer to the station when the ride is over.
- Train goes through a tunnel and passes above Breakneck Creek and a tributary.
How to Ride
- Come to the MAHLS Campus on any Friday (end of May until end of October, weather permitting, from 10am – 2pm)
- Board at ground level, behind Swaney Pavilion
- All ages can ride! (Handheld infants must be snug in a body carrier or sling.)
- Young children must be accompanied on their seat by an adult.
- We will ask you to stay straddling the bench and keep your feet flat on the running boards.
- Please do not tip your weight or rock from side to side as it will derail the train.
- We take safety very seriously. There is always an operator in the back of the train to alert the engineer if someone needs to stop or there is an issue.
- Cost to ride the train is by donation. Whatever you would like to gift is greatly appreciated.
