Prairie State Railroad Club

Prairie State Railroad Club www.prairiestaterr.com Model railroads come in many different scales (the relative size of the model compared to a full-size or prototype).

The Prairie State Railroad Club is comprised of railroad enthusiasts who share a passion for the building and operation of large scale model railroad equipment. Ours is 1:8 or 1-1/2″ scale, meaning that on average, the locomotives and other railroad cars are 1/8″ the size of the real thing. The gauge (distance between the rails) of our track is 7-1/2″ gauge, which makes it possible for the enginee

r to actually ride his train and perhaps even carry a few passengers. Modeling in this general size, is generically referred to as “live steam railroading” because it is practical size to build models of steam locomotives that actually use steam for propulsion and are large enough for the engineer to ride on as well. Besides steam locomotive operators, the “live steam” hobby now includes persons who favor diesel locomotives (usually gasoline or battery powered) or electric railway cars such as interurbans. At Prairie State, we welcome them all! In fact, you do not need to own any equipment to participate in the club’s activities. It should be noted that the operation of these scale model trains is solely for the enjoyment of their owners and guests is not to be confused with miniature railroads that are sometimes found at amusement parks or zoos. The railroads at those venues are considerably larger and are designed specifically to haul large numbers of passengers. For that reason the club does not accommodate the general public with the exception of a few events that are conducted under the auspices of other organizations.

Coming up really quick! Hope too see everyone there!
05/24/2026

Coming up really quick! Hope too see everyone there!

The Big Rock Car Show will be here before you know it. Taking place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, rain or shine. We will be p...
05/24/2026

The Big Rock Car Show will be here before you know it. Taking place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, rain or shine. We will be providing train rides to the public at this event from Noon to 3:00 P.M., so come on out and enjoy this "Family Fun Day". They will be celebrating the U.S.A.'s 250th Birthday with the Red, White and Blue theme without the event. We look forward to seeing you, your family and friends there for a day filled with lots of Joy, Laughter and Fun.

Our first event for 2026 is coming up quickly, and that will be the Big Rock Classic Car ShowSunday, June 7, 2026Registr...
05/04/2026

Our first event for 2026 is coming up quickly, and that will be the

Big Rock Classic Car Show
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Registration: 8am-11am.
Show: 8am-4pm

2026 Feature America Turns 250 Patriotic Themed Vehicles
In honor of the United States 250th Anniversary, or Sesquicentennial, being celebrated on July 4, 2026, to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Big Rock Classic Car, Truck, Tractor and Motorcycle Show, will celebrate everything Red, White and Blue, with unique vehicles on display for this special event.

THE MAIN EVENT

2026 BIG ROCK CLASSIC CAR, TRUCK, TRACTOR, AND MOTORCYCLE SHOW

All vehicles must be 25 years or older

Registration 8am-11am. Show 8am-4pm

The best car show in Big Rock! 2025 we had 420 registered vehicles!

Free registration, free admission, and free parking. Trophies awarded at 3:30

5 B's Pork Chop and Chicken Lunch served from 11:30 to 1:30.

Concession Stand, 50/50 Raffles, 3D Sound DJ, Trivia, Ice Cream from Hill's Country Store

Prairie State Railroad Club will be providing free train rides on their small gauge railroad from 12:00pm-3:00pm.

Free face painting from 12:00pm-3:00pm

Custom graphic event T-Shirts available.

All proceeds and donations benefit the Big Rock Historical Society.

Come out and enjoy the day with us. Rain or shine, we’ll have a good time!

Website: https://bigrockcarshow.org/

We hope too see you and your family there for a wonderful "Family Fun" day!

03/07/2026

We will be stuffing eggs tomorrow (sunday 3/8) at 11AM at the big rock park district building! Please join to help us if you have the time !

We are also still looking for volunteers to day of the event at Plowman’s park for handing out prizes!!

Please reach out to [email protected] or send a message to us via Facebook

03/06/2026

Come join us Sunday, March 22nd at Plowman Park for our annual Easter Egg Hunt! Events will start at 1pm. We will have prizes and treats for all participants who collect eggs within the age groups.

We will be adding a time slot this year for kids with special needs and/or sensory issues and allowing support of a family member, on top of the existing age groups we currently have.

Please keep an eye on Facebook for updates on the event.

****And as always we are looking for volunteers to help with stuffing eggs (3/8 at BRPD BUILDING) and DAY OF EVENT hiding them OR passing out prizes.

Please contact [email protected] if you are interested. ****

12/31/2025

"Happy New Year" from all of us to all of you. May the new year bring you lots of Joy, and Good Health.

12/14/2025

"Merry Christmas" from all of our Families here at Prairie State Railroad Club Inc. too all your Families.

11/04/2025
11/02/2025

Sadly, our 2025 Season has come to an end with our Pumpkin Train Festival, and we hope everyone enjoyed themselves at the festival. But, we will see everyone again in 2026 for an all New Season, starting with the Big Rock Car Show, on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2026!

Get your farm fresh pumpkins while you can and while you are there pickup some other farm fresh produce too.
10/29/2025

Get your farm fresh pumpkins while you can and while you are there pickup some other farm fresh produce too.

Address

48W508 Hinckley Road
Big Rock, IL
60511

Telephone

(815)5466437

Website

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