FAQs

Why build a backyard train?

Because it’s fun, safe and even educational. Backyard trains are a wonderful hobby for you and your entire family. You may also find yourself fascinated with the history and heritage of America’s great trains of the past.

Are your trains authentic?

Yes! Our Pioneer Mogul locomotive is designed after the famous Baldwin Mogul, manufactured by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the turn of the century. These hard-working narrow-gauge locomotives were used extensively in the Old West for mining, logging and transportation during the late 1800s into the early 1900s.

Our Gondola Riding Car and Bobber Caboose are representatives of rolling stock used during that period of America’s rich train history.

Backyard trains you can ride have actually been around for decades. The United Kingdom is generally credited as the originator of the hobby where miniature riding trains were built on grand estates throughout the English countryside.

What scale and gauge are the trains?

We build our trains to be 1/8 scale, often referred to as 1.5” scale. In other words, parts are designed at 1.5” to the foot from the real trains they’re modeled after. The math works like this: 1.5” x 8 (for one-eighth scale) equals 12”.

Our standard tracks are 7.5” gauge. This means there is 7.5” between the two rails. This is the most common gauge in the USA for miniature riding trains.

In the eastern USA, some 7.25” gauge tracks are still popular. Europe also uses mostly 7.25” gauge. We can build all of our locomotives, riding and rolling stock, tracks and switches to 7.25” gauge upon special request.

How are the trains powered?

By a 24V rechargeable battery system instead of steam, gasoline or diesel. Batteries are safe and convenient – just turn the key and go. Locomotive prices include a battery charger that simply plugs into a standard 110 VAC power outlet (a 220 VAC charger is also available for overseas markets).

How long do the batteries last and how long does it take to recharge?

Battery life is largely dependant upon your terrain and load. On a hilly layout, two to four hours of running time is typical. On flatter terrain, five to seven hours can be expected. Recharging takes 8-10 hours and is usually done overnight. The charger simply plugs into the side of the riding tender and is powered by standard house current.

Batteries have an expected life of four to five years. There are four of them installed in the riding tender under the operator’s seat. Replacement cost is about $50.00 to $60.00 each. Batteries are available through our parts department or from popular battery stores such as Batteries Plus.

What does a backyard train cost?

Our complete Train Starter Package costs $22,995 (MSRP). The Pioneer Mogul locomotive with riding tender sells for $14,995 (MSRP).

How much does the train weigh?

The locomotive weighs 180 lbs. Add in the weight of the riding tender (the car the operator sits on), one Gondola Riding Car and the Bobber Caboose and the total is a whopping 570 lbs.!

How much weight can the locomotive pull?

We’ve tested to approximately 1600 lbs. of load up a 3% grade (3% maximum grade is recommended), including the weight of the train itself. That works out to be about six to seven adults and children.

Can I run more than one train on the track at a time?

Yes. Locomotives, riding cars and rolling stock are available separately. Just keep in mind that these are trains – not bumper cars.

What does the Starter Package include?

Everything needed to put together a complete, working railroad:

Pioneer Mogul Locomotive
Gondola Riding Car
Bobber Caboose
228’ of pre-assembled track (forms an oval that is 60’ x 80’)
All connectors and other hardware

Installation and landscaping – which some people enjoy doing entirely by themselves – is not included in any of our prices. If you choose to hire a professional to do your landscaping, costs will vary depending upon your site. A typical rock track bed on a flat yard will usually cost $3000 to $4000 for professional installation.

Is a permit necessary?

You’ll need to check with your local building authorities. Some communities may require a building permit for the track and for any related structures such as a train depot. Setbacks from lakeshore, wetlands and adjoining property are also factors to be considered.

Are the trains safe?

Our backyard trains are designed with many built-in safety features, including:

Key start
Emergency STOP button
Anti-lock/regenerative brakes
LCD screen with status and MPH
Safety interlock switch on operator's seat
Parking brake (one each on locomotive and tender)
Lights, whistle and bell
Maximum speed is just a few miles per hour

Adult supervision is of course highly recommended at all times. We suggest that children not be allowed to drive the train unless they are 16 years of age or older.

The tracks do not carry electricity, so no worries about that, either.

How long does it take to install a backyard train?

As with any landscaping project, weather, crew size and other factors will influence installation time. A typical 60’ x 80’ starter track can be installed in a few days by a professional crew or several weeks if you’re doing it yourself.

Locomotives and riding cars are shipped “Ready-To-Run” (RTR) and fully assembled. Simply place each component on the track and connect the couplers and safety chains.

What kinds of grades and turns are acceptable?

Up to a 3% grade and 30-foot radius turns are possible. Less grade (i.e. more level land) and wider turns are always easier to install and allow you to carry more cars and people. More level terrain also gives you longer running time between battery charges.

What kind of metal is used for track?

We extrude high-strength 6061-T6 aluminum to make our rail. Aluminum is lighter-weight and easier to bend around curves than iron and doesn’t rust. The type of aluminum we use will last for decades in most backyard train installations.

What kind of maintenance is required?

Very little. With a proper track installation and minor maintenance on the locomotive and rolling stock, you can expect many years of reliable operation.

Can the train sit outside at night?

Although designed for outdoor use, we recommend that the train be covered by a tarp or driven into a storage shed or other building at night.

Will your locomotives and rolling stock run on “club” tracks?

For maximum safety and reliability in residential and light commercial settings, all of our wheel flanges (that's what keeps the train on its track) are extra long. That makes them too deep to run on many railroad club tracks.

However, you can special-order most of our products with standard-depth IBLS flanges, allowing you to run on virtually any club gauge track.

How does the train make its smoke and sounds?

Every Pioneer Mogul locomotive has a built-in, computer-controlled module for producing digital train sounds. The computer also controls the smoke and steam generator.

To create smoke, just pour in our Great American Train Company Smoke and Steam Fluid. A half-gallon (64 oz.) of smoke and steam fluid lasts for almost 10 hours. It puffs at different rates depending upon how fast the train is moving.

The digital sound system has a speaker on each side of the locomotive along with a built-in subwoofer. The "chuff" sounds have been synchronized with the speed of the train for the ultimate in realism. Bell and steam whistle sounds are also included.

Who is The Great American Train Company?

We’re a Minnesota-based company founded by backyard train enthusiasts. All of our trains are all built at our Plymouth Works facility in Plymouth, Minnesota.

We are a sister company to Primera Technology, Inc., also located in Plymouth, Minnesota (www.primera.com). Primera is the world's leading manufacturer of automated CD/DVD duplication and printing equipment and color label printers. The company sells in more than 85 countries and has been in business in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area for more than 25 years. We've used all the same electrical, software and mechanical engineers to design and build all of our train products. Our factory assembly and quality-control procedures are world-class

Are different colors available for the locomotive and riding cars?

The Pioneer Mogul locomotive is powder-coat painted with red and black paint with an automotive-grade clear coat for long outdoor life.

The riding car is painted with brown, outdoor-grade latex paint. Since it is built mostly of wood, it can easily be re-painted and customized by the owner. Many owners also purchase authentic logos and lettering from third-party vendors and install them on their locomotives, riding cars and rolling stock.

Who do I call to get an estimate for installation and landscaping?

Most experienced landscapers should be able to install a backyard train. In selected cities we have Authorized Installers who have been factory-certified in the installation of our trains.

Can I install the track and/or track bed myself?

Yes – and many people enjoy doing so as part of the hobby. It's a lot of fun and a great family project. Upon request, we can provide you with a track installation guide when you purchase your locomotive.

Who performs maintenance and repairs on the train?

Most people do their own basic maintenance and minor repairs. If you purchase from an Authorized Dealer Installer, they will usually provide you with any service you may need.

Virtually every part of the train is modular in construction so that you can easily swap out components. Just call our knowledgeable technical support representatives if you ever have any questions.

Do I need additional homeowner’s insurance?

You will need to check with your insurance agent for information specific to your situation. Most homeowner’s policies will cover a certain amount of liability exposure for products used at home for personal recreation. Examples include a trampoline, “Sport Court,” swimming pool, spa – and even a backyard train.

An umbrella policy is sometimes recommended for liability exposure above and beyond normal homeowner’s insurance.

OK, I want a train! When can I get one?

They’re in stock and ready to ship. Just call us at 1-800-486-0553.