Train Mountain Railroad

The World’s Longest Miniature Railroad
Dates
The 2025 Triennial will run from June 14th to June 29th.  The first week is the preparation week, dedicated to setting up for the event.  Thursday and Friday, June 19th and 20th will be transition days where set-up is complete but the primary operation of the Triennial has not yet begun.  The Triennial-proper will begin on the 21st and continue through the 2nd week.  Registration is expected to open October 1st, 2024
Cost
Admission will be charged according to the following schedule.  Adults are defined as anyone 18 years or older.

  • October: $105 / adult
  • November: $105 / adult
  • December: $115 / adult
  • January: $140 / adult
  • February: $150 / adult
  • March: $170 / adult
  • April: $200 / adult
  • May: $240 / adult
  • June: $280 / adult

Children between the ages of 10 and 17 are $50 / family.  This is independent of the number of children in the family.  Children 9 and under are free. Individuals under 18 not attending with an adult must pay the adult registration fee.

Camping fees are in addition to the registration fees.  Camping is $15 /night for the nights of Thursday, June 19th through Sunday, June 29th.  Camping during the week of preparation is free.

In order to bring a train, attendees must be a current member of Train Mountain.  Membership must be purchased separately from the Triennial Registration.  Both the membership and registration can be added to the cart simultaneously and completed in a single transaction.

Day passes are $25 / adult, children are free.  The family maximum for day passes is $100 / car.  Day passes will be available for the week between Saturday, June 21st and Saturday, June 28th.

Triennial History
Quentin Breen, the founder of Train Mountain, hosted a gathering of the International Brotherhood of Live Steamers (IBLS) in during the summer of 2000.  The IBLS is a standards body dedicated to setting standards for the live steam hobby.  There were close to 100 trains at this event.  However, it was quickly realized that while it was an event worth repeating, such a gathering required more planning than was anticipated. Quentin decided that taking a year to recover, a year to plan, and a third year to execute the plan would be a good schedule.  Thus the name Triennial was born.

In 2003 the event was held again, this time called the Triennial.  There were about 10% more trains and individual trains grew in length.  About 76% of the attendees were returnees.  It was a great success.

Each Triennial grew in the number trains, vendors, and participants.  2018 was the largest Triennial with participants coming from 44 states and 13 countries.  About half of the trains were battery powered, and nearly a quarter were steam powered.

The 2021 Triennial was delayed until 2022 because of COVID and was not as well attended as 2018.  However, there were still nearly 400 trains running around the park.

Triennial Visitors/Day Passes
Day Passes are available to visitors interested only in attending for a single day.  These passes are valid only for the day purchased.  Day visitors must leave the park by 8:00pm.  Passes are available at the registration check-in desk on Katy Lane.

Day passes allow visitors the opportunity to enjoy the Triennial environment at its best.  Visitors will see a large variety of trains and will be able to interact with their owners.  Visitors will be able to peruse the offerings of the vendors.

Transportation to and from the lower parking area up to the Central Station / main activity area will be provided either by shuttle train, shuttle van, or golf cart.  A scenic walking trail is also an option.

Automobile Parking
Automobiles will be parked in South Meadow.  Parking attendants will direct vehicles to designated areas.  Six Acre campers are the exception and will be able to park in Six Acre next to their tent.

During the second week of the event, automobile traffic will be limited to one directional travel on our service road from South Meadow to Central Station.  Automobiles returing to South Meadow must use the highway and re-enter through the Katy Lane gate.

Handicapped Parking is not available near Central Station, though those using wheeled mobility devices may be dropped off at Central Station.  Handicapped parking will be along Katy Lane and Train Mountain Drive.  A specially marked golf cart will be available to those parked in these spots.

 

Shuttles
Shuttles will be provided between the South Meadow Parking area and Central Station from 7am to 7pm.  Shuttles will be provided by either a shuttle trains, golf carts, or a van.

A one-way train trip is typically half an hour.  Riders may not remain on the train but must disembark at each location.  We endeavor to provide as many shuttle trips as possible, but equipment issues and large crowds may limit availability.

Golf carts or van shuttles will be quicker alternatives to the shuttle train.  A scenic walking trail is also an option.

Volunteer Requirements
Train Mountain needs 1,677 volunteer hours to run the Triennial and does not have enough staff and local members to fulfill these duties. We are expecting each participant to volunteer at some point during the event. Participants staying longer should plan on volunteering more time than those visiting briefly, but in general we are hoping each adult will volunteer 4 to 6 hours.

The “Volunteer Signup” option under the Triennial main menu is a link to our volunteer management software. Time slots are displayed where you can sign up for volunteer positions.

Here are the various areas of need:

  • Check-in / Arrival
  • Dispatching
  • Parking
  • Safety Video
  • Security
  • Shuttle Golf Carts
  • Shuttle Trains
  • Shuttle Vans
  • Staging / Load / Unload
  • Train Inspection
  • Triennial Office
Arrival
Enter the premises at the Katy Lane Gate.  Signage will direct you to this entrance.  Volunteers will guide you to registration check-in near South Meadow.

There you will receive your registration packet that contains the program, name badges, maps, parking permits, camping information, vendor information and track assignment for those bringing trains.  Volunteers will be able to explain the procedures and direct you from there.

Participants bringing trains will proceed forward from registration to the staging area to wait for availability at one of the unloading facilities.

All campers will receive specific camping and parking instructions.

Camping
Six Acre Campground is available for tent camping only.  (Anything with wheels is not allowed)  The cost is $15/night for nights between June 19th and June 29th.   This campground has porta-potties and communal water spigots.  Gray water tanks will be available to dump wash water.  Campers staying at Six Acre Campground will have special parking instructions that will be provided at the registration desk.

South Meadow is available for RVs, camping trailers, and tent camping.  The cost is $15/night for nights between June 19th and June 29th.  This is a dry-camping facility; all RVs must be self contained.  There is no electrical, water, nor sewer hook-ups.  Water is available at communal spigots.  Commercial pumping services will be available at $0.55 per gallon – sign up in the Triennial Office.

The following are other options for RV dumping:

  • Collier Memorial State Park (541-783-2471) is about 6 miles north of Train Mountain on Hwy 97.  (Collier is expected to be closed for maintenance during the 2025 Triennial)
  • Moore Park RV Dump Station (541-883-5351) on Lakeshore Drive in Klamath Falls.  A $5 donation is suggested.

Blue Caboose Campground is reserved exclusively for Triennial Committee Chairs during the entire event.  This campground is already full and not a camping option.

Each campground will have a Campground Host, identified with a sign, who can answer questions and help campers get settled.

 

Bringing Trains
Only current 2025 Train Mountain members may bring trains to the Triennial.  Membership must be purchased in addition to Triennial registration.

Registrants are limited to two train consists, not counting pedal bikes.

Train parking space is finite.  The sooner one registers, the more likely we can accomodate parking preferences.  We may not have sufficient parking for late registrants, especially for long trains.

Train Unloading
Two facilities for unloading trains are available.  The primary location will be Crisp Yard, but Appendix Yard is also available for equipment under 400 lbs.  The volunteers at Staging will guide you with which option will work best.

Crisp Yard Unloading

Vehicles unloading trains at Crisp Yard will be staged near South Meadow.  Volunteers, notified by radio, will direct drivers when unloading space is available.  Drivers will then drive up the hill to Crisp Yard.  Traffic on this access road will be limited to one direction.  Drivers will need to use the highway to return via the Katy Lane Gate to South Meadow for parking.

The Crisp Yard unloading facility has 10 parking spaces but only two transfer tables for transferring equipment from a trailer to the tracks.  Volunteers will be overseeing the use of the tables to ensure that it is used effectively.  Expect the table to be used by someone else when you are in the process of loosening tie-down straps.  Please be as efficient as possible unloading because others are waiting – do not spend inordinate amounts of time with car order, safety chains, blankets, coolers and other equipment.  Volunteers will be present to assist you with unloading, however they will have been instructed not to help unless you specifically ask.

After unloading, please make parking your automobile your first priority.  The next priority needs to be moving the train out of the Crisp Yard area.  Ideally, one person in your party can park your car while another person attends to the train.

Trains assigned parking at Crisp Yard will unload directly onto their assigned track.  Others must use one of three designated bypass tracks.  Trains assigned to Ellingson Turntable may go there directly.  Others are encouraged to use the Crisp Yard Loop track to move to one of the Central Station Parking tracks until able to proceed to your assigned parking track elsewhere.

The Inspection Station understands that crews on their way the first time to their assigned parking track may not meet all of the safety requirements.  Tell them you have just unloaded and they will let you proceed.

A shuttle locomotive operated by a volunteer will be available to move trains if you desire.  The shuttle is primarily intended for cold steam locomotives that cannot move under their own power, but other moves are possible too.

Appendix Yard Unloading

Appendix Yard is available for smaller equipment.  The transfer table is not powered, but is ideal for light locomotives carried in pickup trucks or relatively low trailers.

Cargo Trailers

Trailers are to be parked in a designated area near South Meadow.  Each trailer will be issued an identification tag will to affix to the trailer.  This allows event staff to contact the trailer’s owner should the need arise.

Loading

The loading process at the end of the Triennial will be similar to unloading.  Loading will be sequenced by number.  Contact the volunteers at Crisp Yard to receive a number.

Due to the parades, loading will not be allowed between 9am and noon on both Friday June 27th and Saturday June 28th.

Steam Locomotives
Steam engines may only be fired with propane.  Due to forest fire risk, coal, oil, and wood fired locomotives are not allowed to operate on Train Mountain track.

All steam locomotives must be inspected by a member of the Steam Locomotive Inspection team.  The inspection process will be similar to the 2022 Triennial and details will be emailed to registered steam locomotive owners prior to the event.  Locomotives with a current steam engine inspection certificate will only need a visual inspection and pressure gauge check.

Trains without a current inspection certificate will be required to complete a checklist which will be provided.  Our personnel will witness the check list testing performed by the engine’s owner or representative.  A completed inspection form will be issued upon a successful test.

Train Mountain no longer requires annual hydrostatic tests.  Extensive research has indicated hydrostatic testing should be performed on new or modified boilers, but is not necessary on an annual basis.

Upon completion of the locomotive inspection, a colored tag will be issued.  This tag must be prominently displayed on the locomotive.

Train Mountain can fill personal propane tanks at the Fuel Depot.  Hours will be posted.  30-gallon propane tank cars are available to check-out on a first come-first served basis.  These cars will go out full and you will be charged for the propane you use.  You must supply your own regulator, hoses, valves, and fittings.  These cars are heavy and their additional weight should be taken into consideration before using one.

Train Parking
Trains will be assigned a parking track by our parking subcommittee.  The assignment is based on information provided during the registration process.  Location is determined by engine type and train length.  The process of assigning tracks is very complicated and done completely by hand.  Please be patient and understand that the subcommittee may not be able to honor special parking requests.

Steam Locomotives

Steam engines with long consists will have priority in Crisp Yard.  Medium sized engines with short consists will be assigned to Ellingson Turntable.  Small engines will be assigned to the Klamath and Western yard.  In some cases, the locomotive will be assigned a different location from the train’s consist, meaning the locomotive will have to steam up and then run light to the rest of the train in a different location.

Electric Powered Locomotives

Electric locomotives will be assigned tracks near electrical outlets to be able to charge.  Please bring your own extension cords because outlets are not guaranteed to be located immediately next to your locomotive.  Similar to steam locomotives, the locomotive may need to be assigned a different location from the train’s consist because of constraints of being near an outlet.

Gasoline or Diesel Locomotives

Main Yard is the default assignment for gasoline or diesel power.  When the yard is full, assignments will overflow to the Klamath and Western Yard and other locations.

Miscellaneous

Please indicate in the special “Notes” field of the registration process if you only need one parking track for all of your trains.  For example, having two locomotives and only one consist may only require one track.  Rail bikes that require virtually no space do not need a separate assignment.

Train Inspection
All trains will be inspected as they leave Crisp Yard, Central Station, or the Fuel Depot.  Trains will be inspected for compliance with the following rules

  • Both the engineer and conductor have a safety sticker on their name badge indicating they have watched the safety video.
  • Safety chains are secure between all cars.
  • The conductor has an approved red flag for flagging.
  • The conductor has a whistle for communicating with the engineer.
  • The crew has an approved radio.
  • The train is carrying green blocks to leave at the location of any derailments.
  • The train is equipped with an appropriate horn or whistle.
  • The train is equipped with appropriate lights for nighttime running.
  • The train is not overloaded beyond its braking capability or is not otherwise unsafe.
  • Steam locomotives have a boiler inspection tag.
Safety Video
All engineers and conductors must watch the Safety Video before operating a train on Train Mountain track.  The video is about 15 minutes long and will be presented at various times during the meet and the preceding work week.  Presentations will be made in the Hall of Flags in Central Station.  Check the posted schedule for viewing times.

After viewing the video, a colored sticker will be placed on the attendee’s name badge.  The Inspection Station will require that both the engineer and conductor of every train have these stickers.  Crews without these stickers will not be allowed to depart the Central Station or Crisp Yard areas.

The video must be watched in its entirety at Train Mountain in order to receive the sticker, but can be previewed at HERE.

Radios
For the Triennial, all trains must be equipped with a Family Radio Service (FRS) radio.  These can be purchased where-ever walkie-talkie type radios are sold.  These radios will be used to communicate with the Tower that controls train movements in the Central Station area.  Trains will not be able to move through this area without a radio.

The tower will communcate on channel 3.  Signs will be posted track-side indicating when to contact the tower.

Channel 7 is the road channel for communication outside of the Central Station and Main Yard areas.

The remaining FRS channels are available for personal use.

 

Vendors
Vendors have the opportunity to display their products or services to Triennial attendees.  Our Vendor Barn is a covered, but open-air, facility 210′ x 24′.  Vendors can choose one or more spaces approximately 10′ x 9′ in size.  Electricity is available and is shared between adjacent spaces.

Vendors may drive their vehicle to the Vendor Barn to unload materials but may not park at the Vendor Barn.  Vehicles must be parked in South Meadow.

Vendors should contact Russ Wood via the Train Mountain Office for more information and to make a reservations.  Vendors receive two complementary adult admission badges.

Propane/Gasoline
Propane, clear gas, and diesel are available for sale at the Train Mountain Fuel Depot.  There will be designated volunteers who will assist in the fueling process.  A receipt will be issued and payment can be made at the Triennial Office located near Ellingson Turn Table.  The Fuel Depot may not be staffed continuously – check for posted hours or contact phone numbers.
Dog Policy
Nice dogs are allowed at Train Mountain provided:

  • Dogs must be on a leash except when they are secured in a railcar.
  • Owners must clean up after their dog and dispose of the waste properly
  • Dogs must behave in quiet and orderly manner.  Those which frequently bark or yap will asked to leave.
  • Only Service Dogs will be allowed in the Central Station.
  • Problem dogs may be asked to leave the property.
  • Dog owners are fully responsible for all actions and activities of their dog(s) including any and all damages or injuries caused by the dog(s)

A dog park has been erected near the Vendor Barn.  This is a 50′ x 100′ fenced area where dogs can be off-leash.  The owner must be present with their dog at all times – dogs may not be left unattended.  A picnic table and benches are nearby.  Owners must still scoop up after their pet while inside the park.

Fire Safety Policy
All trains are required by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the United States Forestry Department (USFD) to carry the following tools during Level III Fire Danger:

  • An 8″ wide shovel with 26″ handle
  • A double-bit axe or Pulaski with 2 lb head and 26″ handle
  • A 2.5 lb fire extinguisher
  • One gallon of water