Since 1939, the WF&P has thrilled tens of thousands...

...More than 80 years later, we are proud to continue this tradition!

The story of the Wabash Frisco and Pacific Railroad dates back to 1939, when a group of railway enthusiasts acquired a 12 inch gauge steam locomotive (Engine #171), and the use of a 30 acre estate located on the southeast corner of Brown Road and Natural Bridge. The railroad developed to the point where it had a mile of track, four steam locomotives, a telegraph system, a telephone communications system between stations, and an electric-pneumatic signal system. Trains were operated by regulation timetables, and train orders governed them just as our standard gauge counterparts.

Because of rising land values adjacent to St. Louis' Lambert Airport, the railroad was forced to move, and its last run was conducted on July 19, 1959. The railroad and all its equipment was put into storage for two years while the association looked for a new home. Eventually, the WF&P relocated to Glencoe, Missouri (West of St. Louis) in 1961, where much of the WF&P was rebuilt on top of and along recently abandoned Missouri Pacific Railroad right-of-way.

Since that time, we have laid more than a mile of track, built numerous buildings, including the car barn in 1976, and the roundhouse in 1992. We are constantly in the process of rebuilding locomotives, cars, expanding track length, and maintaining all of the facilities necessary for the operation of the railroad.

Throughout our eighty-two year history, we have always relied on generous donations from our supporters and passengers, as well as the dedication of our volunteers! Consider coming to ride, or join the association here to ensure the future of this hidden gem.

No. 300, a 4-4-2 "Atlantic" speeding by with a long train at Brown Rd. in the late 1950's. At the throttle is V.A. Schmidt, the builder and owner of the locomotive.

Our first locomotive, No. 171 shown here at Brown Rd. circa 1941.

Engineer oils around No. 180, acquired by a member of the WF&P in 1944.

Did you know? The WF&P is built of top of an abandoned section of Missouri Pacific right-of-way? This section was part of the original alignment of the Pacific Railroad, built in the 1850s as part of the transcontinental railroad. This means between the MoPac and WF&P operations there has been over 170 years of continuous railroading along this stretch of the Meramec River.

Map showing the layout of the WF&P compared to what was downtown Glencoe and the Missouri Pacific Railway (MoPac) trackage

171 pulling a train of members and guests at Brown Rd.