So you’d like to visit us at Ridge Live Steamers? We’re thrilled to hear of your interest – we love our hobby and sharing it with others. The important thing to remember is that we’re a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. We don’t have “regular visiting hours” and we don’t always have trains running. If you’ve seen the videos of our Winter Meet and that’s the experience you’re looking for, then be sure to put the fourth Saturday of February into your calendar NOW, and that’s when you want to come see us. The week of our Winter Meet, from Thursday through mid-day Sunday there will be lots of trains, visitors, trains to ride, trains for sale, food to eat, and generally everything railroad related.
If you’re not available the fourth Saturday of February, then consider the fourth Saturday of October. That’s our Fall meet. It’s nowhere near as big or busy as the Winter Meet, but we can still show you a good time. That meet is pretty much just on the Saturday.
If you’re looking for a place where you can drive up and have a train ride for yourself, the kids, or the grandkids, without a lot of pre-planning, then we recommend checking out Largo Central Railroad or Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad – they are both in public parks and have regularly scheduled days with open train rides. Click their website links for specific dates, times, and locations. If you’re in South Florida, you can contact Tradewinds and Atlantic Railroad
If you’re model railroader, or if you’re interested in joining as a member, please reach out via email about scheduling a visit. If you’re contacting us from April through November keep in mind that our staffing especially low in the summer, and most of our efforts are directed at construction and maintenance of the railroad. So if you’re looking to work, we can always use new members to help out! Check out our membership options
If you have additional questions, feel free to send an email and we’ll get back with you as soon as possible.
If you’re feeling generous, we’re always happy accept your donation to help us build and maintain the railroad.
Jim Kovalsky
Ridge Live Steamers Membership Chair
