Riding the rails — Miniature-train hobby now a full-time job for retiree

Davis County families are still discovering a unique local attraction featuring model trains, trains available for rides, a rail station and museum.

Owners Steve and Susan Flanders changed their plans from a quiet retirement on the farm on 575 N. 1525 West, to a life of miniature tracks, trestles and trains. Steve had a dream — to build a model train track around his yard. He accomplished that goal, but after two weeks, the small 70 foot circular track in the back yard lost its thrill, and the family built a bigger circle and another and another. Now his 10.5 acre farm features two miles of tracks with about 20 engines and 80 cars, which Steve has available for train enthusiasts of all ages to come and enjoy.

"It's just kind of a hobby gone a muck," said Susan.

S&S Shortline Park is open to the public the first and third Saturdays during the months of June, July and August and offers much more than watching small trains meander around a track belching smoke and blowing its whistle. For a small fee guests can enjoy a ride on a large or small train over miniature bridges, past mountains and waterfalls and through a cool, dark tunnel right under a road.

The whole Flanders family spent years turning their property into the business it is today. Steve explained laying his track was hard work, and his kids probably didn't think it was much fun at the time, but they did enjoy the rides once it was completed. Today, family members are still heavily involved in running the park.

Justin, Steve's youngest son, works as an engineer taking full loads of families on an exciting ride on the rails. Justin explains the rules about keeping hands and feet inside the car, blows the whistle and slowly pulls out of the station. Parents wave and shout their goodbyes and then race ahead to take some pictures as they pass by.

The small crossing arms lower as the train crosses the parking area and gets ready to enter a tunnel going right under the road. An audible reaction can be heard as the children prepare to enter the temporary darkness. Before they have a chance to worry, they emerge out the other end and into the scenic view of fields and mountains. Soon the train is chugging around the Flanders' home where they climb up a small trestle, duck under bridges, and spot Susan's nine miniature ponies.

"My parents are into everything miniature," said Justin as the train passes behind their enclosure.