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 3
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.
7 1/4" gauge is 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 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 usual public open house events.
A limited
number of Birthday Parties or special events may be arranged by appointment.
See details below.
Doors Open Stouffville on the first Saturday in June.
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 A limited number of dates we hold
birthday parties on usually book up very quickly. 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
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!
All articles on this webpage are 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.
