Arborway T.T. and Northwestern Railroad

Arborway T.T. and Northwest Miniature Railroad

Since the unfortunate passing of John Woods in October 2008, Judy Woods and the rest of the family are planning to keep the railroad intact and in operation as a private family railroad. Things will be a lot different now that John is gone, he had so many cool ideas and plans for the railroad. Please keep checking the progress photos and the friend’s page for all the latest activities happening at the Arborway T.T. & Northwestern as we all endeavor to keep John’s dream alive.

The Arborway, T.T. & Northwestern Railroad is located in South Central Missouri between Steelville and St. James, Missouri. Steelville, the closest town, as well as Woodsvalley Farm and the Railroad are located in Crawford County. From St. Louis it is approximately ninety miles down interstate 44 to Cuba, Missouri, then South eight miles on State Hwy. 19 to Steelville. From Steelville we are approximately five miles West on State Hwy. 8.

The railroad is private and as of 2008 is very much under construction. For insurance, security and liability reasons we are not open to the general public. An active "Friends of the Railroad" group was started in the latter half of 2006. We anticipate that the “Friends” group, which consists of those railroad enthusiasts who wish to come out to work and play with us, will grow in numbers in the years ahead. It is likely, if certain issues can be resolved (legal, insurance ...etc.), there will be opportunities to open at certain times to railroad fans who qualify.

As many of you know, we were asked by the Robinsons to host the Miniature Railroad/Grand Scales Convention in mid-September of 2007. By the reports we received, it was a big success. Well over 300 attendees had fun riding the rails and attending very informative seminars. Having a number of visiting locomotives made for a great deal of variety and some excellent photo opportunities. After the Saturday night banquet, many enjoyed the night runs as well. Fortunately the weather cooperated and it wasn’t too hot, too cold or wet. Many ask the question of what constitutes a "Grand Scales" railroad and we’re not certain but generally the Grand Scales include 12" and up to 24" gauge track. The ATT&NW RR is 15" gauge.

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While much of the thought and planning for this railroad goes back many, many years, actual construction began in 2001 and continues. It has been said that a railroad is never complete and certainly we now have a better understanding of that statement. Because of the very hilly and rough terrain, the line falls over 150 feet in about 3 miles of linear distance including a number of cuts and fills, as well as two tunnels on its way down to the Meramec River. We are fortunate to have white tailed deer, wild turkeys and many other species of wildlife on Woodsvalley Farm. We have a number of small lakes and ponds as well. The predominant forests are oak and hickory. Every year we plant between 10 and 20 thousand small pine trees, as well as hundreds of deciduous trees along the right-of-way and throughout our property. Steam, diesel, electric and gasoline power the various units.

This site will be updated regularly with new photos taken by us, our guests, and by members of our "Friends" group. We hope you enjoy visiting this Web site and would like to hear from you with any suggestions.

Visits since 10/22/06