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, TMI 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.  The museum has acquired over 50 full-sized rail cars, maintenance-of-way equipment, and other pieces, 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.

Quinten Breen had a life-long passion for trains and learned of Ed St. John’s railroad.  Quinten 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 Quinten later bought 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, which is 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 paid employees.

After Quentin’s death, Train Mountain Railroad (TMRR), also a 501c7, was created as a member benefit organization.  Members of TMRR provide the volunteer labor which keeps Train Mountain running.  They greet the public and assist in maintaining the property and facilities.  TMRR organizes monthly meets for the members.

The bulk of Train Mountain property is considered private forest and elk habitat. The conservation of this forest is another important mission for our members and organizations. In April of 2014, Train Mountain became the first property zoned as a “TRAIN PARK” in Oregon.