The Richmond Hill Live Steamers is a non-profit
live-steam club whose members are dedicated to building and operating scale
model steam, electric and diesel locomotives.
The History of
RHLS: R.H.L.S. was formed by a small group of model engineers who
decided they would like to operate their own track. Some of the founding
members are still actively involved in the club and have been a driving force
which has brought the club to the extensive facility that we all enjoy today.
Through subscriptions, donations and not a little hard work over the past
years, our track site, just north of Ballantrae, has been developed into the
best facility in Ontario.
Gauges: We have 4
gauges of track.
3 1/2" & 4 3/4" gauges run on another track we call
"The High Line". The engines are powered by steam generated by burning coal.
Some are battery powered electric engines and can pull several children or two
or three adults.
5" & 7 1/4" gauge are on a "Ground Level" track. We
have steam, electric & diesel powered engines which are capable of pulling
10 to 20 adults. This track is approximately 1800' long.
The whole site
is situated in trees on a 3 3/4 acre lot on the southwest corner of St. John's
Side Road and McCowan.
Visitors'
Information: In past years we have staged several Open House
events during the summer months, offering rides to the public in return for
small donations. During the last few years, the club has become such a popular
attraction, that the crowds last summer could not be accommodated in a timely
manner, or with the acceptable margin of safety. Regrettably the club has had
to take the decision not to offer our four usual public Open House events for
2013.
A limited number of Birthday Parties or special events may be
arranged by appointment. See details below.
No general public events are scheduled for 2013. See visitors
information above.
Pre-booked birthday parties and other already
scheduled events are offered as usual.
Donation boxes are available on the property during special
events ~ all donations are used to maintain the club's property ~ Thank
you for keeping live steam alive!
RHLS offers a wonderful experience for your child's
birthday party. Here's what you get:
~ Access to the club facilities
including kitchen with fridge, stove and microwave ~ Use of the outside
barbecue, propane included. Just bring your food and drinks. (But please clean
the BBQ and take away all your garbage). ~ Toilet facilities ~ Continuous
free train rides, often hauled by a real live steam locomotive
Suggestions, Safety and Rules Rides are
very safe but kids still need to be sensible. We suggest that you organise some
open air games to help the kids "blow of steam" before they get on the trains.
We also ask that you kindly take all garbage with you when you leave. We are in
the country and cannot easily dispose of garbage.
Cost As
RHLS is a private, not for profit club we are not permitted to charge for our
services. We love giving the kids train rides but, must rely on donations to
help maintain the facilities and keep the trains running. Our Party Coordinator
will be happy to discuss details with you when making your
reservation.
Reservations As of the end of January 2013, this
summer season is already heavily booked. If you are interested, please email
our Party Coordinator to see if we can accommodate your request. We normally
start taking reservations each year on January 1st. Questions and
Reservations: please contact: birthdaytrains@gmail.com for
details.
The RHLS train track site is located in Ballantrae - 15922
McCowan Ave, one mile north of Aurora Road in trees on a 3 3/4 acre lot on the
southwest corner of St. John's Side Road and McCowan Road.{approximately 45
minutes, north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada}.
Click
here for Location Map
I would like to offer a warm welcome from the
official web-site of the Richmond Hill Live Steamers. (RHLS)...
The
Richmond Hill Live Steamers was first established in 1977, by a group of steam
train enthusiasts dedicated to preserving the rich history of these wonderful
old engines. An interested farmer in the Stouville-Whitechurch area offered a
small corner of his farm, approximately 3 3/4 acres, for a track setup. It has
taken years of concentrated effort, of many, to make the property ours and the
"dream" to become a "reality".
Today when you visit, you will view
beautifully detailed, small replica models, of various, well known, steam,
electric and diesel type engines. Many also have working tools and a range of
accessories built to scale.
We now have a comfortable Club House filled
with pictures and memorabilia. Our own railroad station and everything
imaginable built to scale such as water towers, coal shuts, a small village, an
old saw mill and even a gravel pit. Long stretches of track winds its way
through a cool forest of trees, that boasts a wonderful, seasonal, cascade of
colourful wild flowers. Our railroad would not be complete without bridges and
an old type trestle, coloured flashing lights, smoke, whistles and children's
laughter.
We are especially proud of our dual set of track installed
2009. It allows two trains to pass, going in opposite directions, enabling our
passengers to wave and call to each other.
Not all members own an
engine, but they all contribute with expertise or hard work.
We value
and welcome all our visitors and thank them for their continuing support
financially...it would be impossible to maintain and improve the property
otherwise.
The RHLS invites you to come visit, ride the rails, and
relive a most memorable part of our Canadian heritage.
The club operates on approximately 3 3/4 acres of treed
property. This large wooded area has two sections of track which travel
through trees and over bridges. It makes for a very peaceful ride!
All donations offered to the club are used to maintain the club's
property. ~ Thank you for keeping live steam alive!
Website Designed and Maintained by: mingweb: contact can be made
through RHLS's contact person. All articles on this webpage were written by
RHLS members or the RHLS President.
All articles on this webpage were written by RHLS members or the
president.
This site contains links to other sites but Richmond Hill Live
Steamers is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of these
other web sites.
It would be appreciated if you provide a link back to this page.
This is the correct way to share the content of this website. This page born
and first published Spring 2001. August 2009 host moved from geocities to
tripod.
