Ride the Shortline RR

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.