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.

We offer free rides to the public each Sunday (except Mid-May through August) from Noon till 5:00 p.m. 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 September, we do not offer rides to the public, but if you're a visiting railroader, you're welcome to drop by. If you plan to bring your locomotive to the railroad, please read our Operating Guidelines.

During the months in which we offer free rides to the public we serve hundreds of passengers every Sunday 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!

Several times each year, MLS participates with the other park organizations, the Arizona Model Railroading Society and the Sahuaro Central Railroad Heritage Preservation Society, in railroad-related celebrations and activities. These events, many times open only to railroad groups, promotes the park as well as the outstanding work peformed by all three organizations. You may read more about the history of Sahuaro Central here.

Railroaders are invited to our Spring and Fall Meets. Watch Late Breaking News for more information.

Maricopa Live Steamers has been fortunate to have the support of several businesses. We truly appreciate the services, equipment and supplies that have been provided to us. In many instances, we have expressed our appreciation by painting cars to call attention to their generosity!


The MLS is led by a dedicated board of directors, officers and committees. These officers and board members are setting goals and providing direction for growth and fun:


And there are others without whom we could not run our railroad:

Boiler Inspector Bill Pardee
Assistant Boiler Inspectors Bill Cobb, Roger Netz, Ken Bain
Membership Chairperson Stephanie Marks
Chief Dispatcher Jim Manley
Crew Caller Stephanie Marks
Concessions Chairperson Christina Borders
Concrete Foreman Dewey Mills
Metalwork Foreman Cliff Fought
Meet Publications Chairpersons David & Ellen Augustine
Meet Meals Coordinators Betty & Jerry Moore
Pot Luck Coordinators Betty & Mary Jo McCully
Public Relations John Draftz
Signals Superintendent Jim Brown
Welcome and Information Coordinator Margaret Ann Bain
Webmaster and Editor of
Stack Talk, the MLS newsletter
Charlie Downs

To become a member of MLS and be part of the railroading activities, join MLS by completing our on-line registration form. A membership committee representative will contact you after the form is submitted.

If you have questions, email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.