Mission Statement
The CSP&P Railway was incorporated for educational purposes and to expand general knowledge of the important role that railroads have played in our lives and history. We focus on inventions and developments of railroads in America and around the world, along with the metalworking and fabrication skills and techniques of that era.

About Our Organization

The Canton, St. Paul, & Pacific Railway is a 7.5” gauge live steam railroad. The phrase "live steam" refers to any scale model that operates in the same manner as the full size prototype. "Live steam" can be stationary engines, traction engines, boats, and in our case, railroad locomotives.

Throughout the history of live steam railroading, scale steam locomotives have comprised the majority of locomotives being built by hobbyists. In more recent years, more enthusiasts are building scale models of modern diesel-electric locomotives. Unlike scale steam engines which operate exactly like their full size counterparts, these are usually gasoline or electrically powered.

Located on twelve acres of virgin forest that are protected by the Foothills Land Conservancy, our railroad was built and is maintained by a handful of hard working members using mostly hand tools, picks, shovels, and steam or diesel locomotive power.

Live steam locomotives and rolling stock are generally built by individuals in their own machine shops during their free time. Equipment is transported to and from the railroad with pickup trucks, trailers, etc. This methodology allows live steam hobbyists to take their equipment to other live steam organizations across the country.

The greatest asset of the live steam hobby is the acquired knowledge of all its members. The sharing of this knowledge, friendship, and the community surrounding the hobby are what make it so very important and enjoyable, to those who participate.

The CSPPRY is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit, educational organization.