The Maricopa Live Steamers Railroad Heritage Preservation Society is a club for people who enjoy preserving the heritage of railroading. Club members and visitors enjoy two facets of our hobby:
- The first are those who research and build scale steam locomotives and modern diesels.
- The second are those who simply love railroading. They enjoy running, track switching, hauling and doing maintenance.
Our membership comprises people from around the Phoenix metropolitan area and non-resident members who live outside a 75 mile radius. We offer junior membership for those interested in railroading who are under the age of 18.
Many of our members build their own locomotives and cars. Other members either have their engines built or run club equipment.
Free SUNDAY Train Rides
Due to excessive heat, the 2024 fall season will begin on
Sunday, October 20.
Free rides on different 20-40 minute routes are offered every Sunday between 11 am and 2 pm from October through April. The last train leaves the station at 2:00 p.m.
Although the rides are free, your generous donations help keep our railroad running. Rides are suspended from May through September due to the heat. See our calendar for details of our events.
During the months in which we offer free rides to the public we serve hundreds of passengers and the number is growing as more and more people become aware of the park. Many passengers are repeat riders who return several times after discovering the thrill and beauty of our desert railroad. Natural beauty and wildlife is everywhere!
Club business meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month. See our calendar for meeting dates and times.
During the hot summer months, between the beginning of May and the beginning of October, we do not offer rides to the public, but if you are a visiting railroader, you are welcome to drop by. If you plan to bring your locomotive to the railroad, please download and read our Operating Guidelines.
The Maricopa Park District requires submission of a General Liability Waiver from each individual entering the park. Please fill this out online, or download and complete a waiver for each individual visiting.
Safety Information for riding the train:
- All passengers (including children) must be able to walk to and board the train without assistance.
- Please do not use the cars with folding seats. These are reserved for passengers with mobility limitations.
- Remain seated during your ride.
- Do not lean out while taking pictures.
- Do not reach out and touch objects along the tracks, they may be sharp.
- Do not turn around in your seat, face forward.
- Keep your feet on the foot-boards. Do not drag your feet.
- Children must sit on a seat of their own. They may not sit on a lap.
- If the train stops outside the station, remain seated and listen for a crew members instructions.
- If you drop anything along the track, just keep your hand raised and the crew will stop the train (during daylight rides).
- When returning to the station, remain seated until the engineer honks the horn once signaling it is safe to exit the train.