last updated May 19, 2008
Operating the Springfield and Ozark Railroad since
1938.
The S and O is an "O"
scale (1/48th) two rail model railroad.
Come see our Layout.
The Springfield and Ozark Railroad was a short line in the southwest part of Missouri. It's name tells it all. Sometime late in the 19th century the railroad became part of the SLSF (Frisco) Railroad which is now part of the BNSF Railroad. It is this little railroad in the hills of the Ozarks that our "O" scale layout is modeled after. There are two large yards connected with lots of track. A number of long grades winding in and out of tunnels and over long, high trestles.
We operate the layout for the Public from 7:30pm till 9:00pm on the 1st Tuesday of every month and on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Tuesday in December.
The layout is in the Old Frisco Station in Webster Groves, Missouri on Big Bend Blvd.(8833 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, MO 63119 (314-968-6847))The Club owns the building but it is on railroad right-of-way.
Officially formed in March, 1938, a small group of students from Webster Groves High School found themselves an adult sponsor and began something that has now lasted over sixty years. Through a chance conversation, they were able to make contact with the ST Louis-San Francisco Railroad and obtain permission to move into the west end of the Webster Groves Passenger station.
Shortly after moving into the station, the club began the first of two 1/4 inch, O-scale layouts. In the 1960's,the original layout was replaced with the one that is there now. This new and larger layout was made possible,after expanding the original waiting room,by enclosing the porch on the west end of the building.
Throughout the years the club has sponsored the National Model Railroad Associations convention in 1970 and the National O-Scale convention in 1977 and 1997. The club has also participated in layout tours for various train shows and now have a portable modular layout to take to the conventions. The club's membership has supplied officers for organizations like the NMRA, it's Mid-Continent Region and Gateway Division, and various other clubs and organizations.
In the 1990's, the club is nailing down issues to help guarantee its long-term Future. They have purchased the building from the Burlington Northern Railroad(the successor to the SL-SF)and they are working on obtaining a permanent tax exemption and renewal of the incorporation. With a little luck and elbow grease, the station will once again look like it did in the days of steam and passenger trains and the club itself, will be healthy and strong.
Visitors are welcome on any Tuesday 7:00 pm to 9:00pm,the only time we are open. However the trains don't run very often on nights other than on the Operating Schedule above.
We always welcome any one interested in "O" scale to petition for membership.
We are located about 3 miles west of St Louis along Interstate 44. Exit at Elm (exit #280) and turn north. Turn left (west) at Big Bend and go about two blocks.
e-mail: wheelchkr@gmail.com