One of the part-owners of the Red Oak II complex near Route 66 near Carthage, Missouri, plans to add a rideable train to the complex in the coming years.
This revelation is tucked into a story about Red Oak II by Thrillist. The reporter didn’t talk to its creator, Lowell Davis, because he was in poor health that day. But Thrillist did talk to one of the part-owners:
One of the current part-owners is Larry Sernyk, who bought a stake in the project in 2004 after finding Davis through his art. […]
Some structures — like the General Store, Fort Hooker, and a cabin on the lake — can be toured inside and out, while others are admired solely from the outside. Once Sernyk, who currently lives out of state, retires at Red Oak II, he plans to furnish the train station as well. […}
In the next couple of years, one of the property owners plans to add a rideable train to the development so visitors can ride around the property via locomotive. He already acquired a railroad track from an amusement park.
Red Oak II is Davis‘ tribute to his hometown. The Red Oak II property contains a Phillips 66 station, old schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, feed store, general store and several houses. It’s like a town frozen in time just before World War II. Red Oak II remains a popular side trip for Route 66 travelers.
(Image of the Phillips 66 station at Red Oak II near Carthage, Missouri, by J.G. Park via Flickr)
This sounds like a miniature railway. I wonder what gauge it is – the distance between the rails – and what will power the locomotive: diesel, petrol, steam! Or will it be a battery loco?