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.

06/23/2026
Thank you everyone who joined us at the Big Rock Classic Car Car, Truck, Tractor and Motorcycle Show, that took place on...
06/16/2026

Thank you everyone who joined us at the Big Rock Classic Car Car, Truck, Tractor and Motorcycle Show, that took place on Sunday, June 7th at the Plowmans Park in Big Rock.

It was really nice to see everyone again to help us Celebrate the 250th Birthday of the United States of America 🇺🇸.

There sure were alot of beautiful cars, trucks, tractors there to help everyone celebrate this historic event. We were blessed with a beautiful day until around 3:00 P.M. when the storms rolled in.

Here's a few pictures that were taken and hope you enjoy seeing them.

06/07/2026

Beautiful Day! Come on out to the Big Rock Classic Car, Truck, Tractor and Motorcycle Show. Taking place right now until 4:00 P.M.. Train rides available from 12:00 - 3:00 P.M.. We hope to see you here for a "Family Fun" day.

Come on out tomorrow, Sunday, June 7th rain or shine to the Big Rock Classic Car Show. This is a "Family Fun" event with...
06/06/2026

Come on out tomorrow, Sunday, June 7th rain or shine to the Big Rock Classic Car Show. This is a "Family Fun" event with lots of classic cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors to look at. They will be celebrating the 250th Birthday of the United States of American with the red, white and blue theme. You may even see some cars you never seen before or bring back lots of wonderful memories. We hope to see you and your family there, and bring a lot your friends too, for a wonderful day in the park.

Can you believe it? Coming to you this Sunday, June 7, 2026 at the Plowman's Park, 48W508 Hinckley Road, Big Rock, IL 60...
06/04/2026

Can you believe it? Coming to you this Sunday, June 7, 2026 at the Plowman's Park, 48W508 Hinckley Road, Big Rock, IL 60511. Come on out for a great family fun day in the park and enjoy all the beautiful old cars, trucks, tractors and motorcycles that will be there. Bring back old memories or make some new ones. We hope to see everyone there for a "Family Fun Day."

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!

Address

48W508 Hinckley Road
Big Rock, IL
60511

Telephone

(815)5466437

Website

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