Willow Creek Railroad offers large-scale fun in a small package on the grounds of Antique Powerland in Brooks.

Located just north of Salem on InterState 5, the model railroad setup is a labor of love painstakingly created over almost 35 years by a dedicated crew of “iron horse” aficionados.

Powerland Museum is built around a collection of early steam-powered machinery that revolutionized farming, logging, and other activities. Fourteen partner museums are on the 65-acre site.

The railroad originated with a modest start in 1974 when Mel Saint of Salem came out and put down 400 feet of track on a bare portion of the museum grounds. The Roundhouse is the only remaining original structure left standing. Planning and fundraising is underway to renovate it. He gave rides only during the annual Steam-ups during the last weekend of July and first weekend of August.

Interest grew and the track was eventually expanded to its present mile or so total of rail after it became officially organized in the late 1980s, and a membership of about 20-25 people.

“As Powerland continues to grow, we continue to grow, and we now give up to 30,000 rides during the Steam-ups,” said Scott Johnson, vice-president.

Willow Creek’s theme centers around early 20th century railroading, but the present is also represented with diesel locomotives pulling passengers on a variety of cars. There are about two dozen engines, representing steam, diesel, and battery power, and over a hundred cars at any one time.

“We’re slowly collecting railroad artifacts and also developing a library,” Johnson said.

The railroad is always seeking sponsors; it relies strictly on donations towards rides, and volunteers to do the upgrading and maintenance, but does charge a standard fee for such events as birthday parties. Parties are scheduled on a first-come basis, on weekends, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, weather permitting. Other dates are available upon request. For more information, visit www.willowcreekrr.org.