Welcome to Train Mountain

The 2200-acre property in Southern Oregon known as Train Mountain is owned by Train Mountain Institute (TMI).  Dedicated to railroad education and history, Train Mountain has over 32 miles of 7.5-inch gauge track making it the World’s Longest Rideable Miniature Hobby Railway according to the Guinness Book of World Records.  Train Mountain Museum has over 50 full-sized rail cars, maintenance-of-way equipment, and other pieces in its collection, offering a unique experience that brings the enchantment of railroading to life on a grand scale. Tours are provided by rail on 1/8 scale trains, but visitors are also welcome to explore by walking.

Early History

Ed St. John started building a railroad in his backyard and quickly learned that volunteers were willing to come from over the hill in nearby Medford to help if he supplied the materials.  Ed’s railroad was called Over-The-Hill Live Steamers and still exists as the Klamath and Western loop.

Quintin Breen had a life-long passion for trains and learned of Ed St. John’s railroad.  Quintin began buying property adjacent to Ed with the dream of building an even bigger railroad.  In 1992, the two agreed to connect their railroads and Quintin later purchased Ed’s property.

By 2000 the railroad had grown large enough that Quentin decided it would be appropriate to host a meeting of the International Brotherhood of Live Steamers, an organization that sets standards for the hobby.  Nearly 100 trains were brought to the event.  Quentin wanted to repeat the event but realized that an event of this scale required more planning than he anticipated.  He decided that it would take one year to recover, another year to plan, and a third to execute the plan.  Thus was born the Train Mountain Triennial, an enormous meet held every three years.  Recent Triennials have attracted over 1000 people, some of whom have brought trains from as far away as Germany and Australia.

Non-Profit Organizations

Prior to Quentin’s death in 2009, a 501c7 non-profit organization called Friends of Train Mountain (FTM) was created to support the building of infrastructure.  This organization became instrumental in allowing the assets to be passed into Train Mountain Institute as a public benefit upon Quentin’s passing.  FTM still leases scenic and access rights for the land the track runs on and allows for essential paid employees.

In 2013, Quentin’s assets were successfully transferred into a 501c3 organization initially called Railroad Institute (RRI) but which was soon renamed to its current name, Train Mountain Institute (TMI).  At roughly the same time, Train Mountain Railroad (TMRR), a 501c7, was created as a member benefit organization.  TMRR provides the volunteer labor which keeps Train Mountain running.  Members operate the museum and assist in maintaining the property and facilities.  TMRR aslso organizes monthly meets for the members.  Train Mountain membership technically includes membership in TMI, FTM, and TMRR simultaneously.

The Klamath & Western Railroad, a separate 501c3, leases trackage rights from TMI on Ed St. John’s original loop.  They continue Ed’s tradition of giving rides and operating a small lunch stand for the public on summer Saturdays.