All Aboard the Goat Hill Express

This past Sunday, my family and I spent a few hours choo chooing around on the trains at Goat Hill Junction in Costa Mesa, CA. (Located at: 2500 Placentia Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626). They have public rides every 3rd weekend of the month from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. It’s free to ride, but they do ask for donations as it’s the only way they can keep the trains running.

Train Rides:

The ride takes about 12 mins and it loops twice around the park. You get to view all the terrain, even cross over and go under a bridge, and see other fun sites. It runs along the backside of the Costa Mesa Golf course as well. During Halloween, you may even get to see some fun scarecrows out and about!

Rules of the Train:

Almost everyone is allowed to come and ride the rails. There are a few rules they ask you to follow. They have two signs up to make it easy to follow their rules. You don’t want to risk getting kicked off. They have a Before you get in Line sign with their donation box. Goat Hill Junction runs off of your donations.

There is a large sign once you get in line that goes over all the things you need to know.

• Always remain seated upright and face forward with your arms and legs inside the train. There is a running board for your feet to rest on.
• Do not lean out of the train or reach for anything along the side of the track. The train can tip.
• Never get on or off a moving train. Always wait for the train to come to a complete stop, even in the event of an accident.
• All passengers must sit in their own seats, no arm or lap riding.
• Usage of cell phones and camera are not permitted while the train is in motion.
• Loud noises should be avoided, as they can interfere with the Train Crews communications.
• Eating, drinking and smoking are not permitting while riding.
• Pregnant women are discouraged from riding, for the safety of the baby.
• Load Limit is 750 lbs per car.
• Shirts and Shoes are required on the train at all times
• Animals are not permitted on the train
• Anyone violating these rules will be removed from the train.

Facilities and Parking:

There is a store, which sells misc train toys, shirts and other products. They also have drinks for $1.00 (water, soda, etc.) and Ice cream for $1.25. Everything is very reasonable and the people are so nice and friendly.

There is a restroom located on site and there are a TON of tables and benches all around the station.

Parking is free right across the street from Estancia High School and Fairview Park.There are a few handicap spots for our disabled friends as well.

Birthday Parties:

They also do birthday parties on the other Saturdays of the year. There are two parties available every Saturday. The morning party is from 10-12 and the afternoon party is from 1-3. You get unlimited train rides throughout that entire 2 hour period for your guests. They only ask for a minimum donation of $200.00 for the costs associated with your event. You bring everything else and as many people as you would like.

We actually had my son’s 2nd birthday party here and everyone had a blast, even my 102 year old great grandma who was able to ride the train as well.

If you are interested in having your party here, make sure to reserve is far in advance because spots fill up really quick.

Calendar of Events:

September 2018 – Public Rides 09/15/18 & 09/16/18

October 2018 – Public Rides 10/20/18 & 10/21/18 – OC Stewards Scarecrows & Halloween Run

November 2018 – Public Rides 11/17/18 & 11/18/18

December 2018 – Public Rides 12/15/18 & 12/16/18 – Santa Visits

History of the Trains:
The Orange County Model Engineers (OCME) was originally formed in 1977 as the Orange County Live Steamers (OCLS). In 1985, they were formally incorporated in California and changed their name to The Orange County Model Engineers (OCME).

Originally, they tried to set up in Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley, CA. The County started placing conditions on the use of the park, which they felt were not in its best interests. A search for a new site began.

Next, they tried Adventure Park in Huntington Beach, CA. While Huntington Beach was interested in the idea, they said it would be years before they would go through with it.

Shortly after that, the City of Cost Mesa was contacted which expressed an interest and suggested a site in Fairview Park on the west side of Placentia Avenue. Costa Mesa said they would contact the Club as soon as the City and the State had finalized the City’s acquisition of this land. That was still in the distance so, they moved on to Irvine.

It was proposed to have a facility in Irvine’s Heritage Park. Shortly after that, Irvine decided they would better fit in the City’s planned new Civic Center park. Since the park was several years away, Irvine proposed the Club build a temporary facility on an eight acre site adjoining the proposed Civic Center park.
While OCME and Irvine were trying to figure out all the details, Costa Mesa contacted the OCME and asked if we were still interested in using Fairview Park. Because of the state of negotiations between OCME and Irvine, they decided to pursue negotiations with Costa Mesa at the same time as the negotiations with Irvine.

As it turns out Costa Mesa’s plan was better and in the end there was a twenty-five year renewable lease with the City of Costa Mesa signed in October 1988.
In March of 1989, construction began on a temporary oval track and the first public run was in August 1989.

OCME’s lease ran out in 2013 and was renewed for a 5 year term. This year, 2018, they are up for renewal again and they are looking at a 15 year renewal, with two 5 year periods after that.

29 years later, they have Three Phase Loops completed, access tracks from Skinner Yard where the trains are stored, restrooms, a storage area, and the store. Most of the work of building the station was done by OCME members.

Here’s to many more years of riding the rails at Goat Hill Junction.