Welcome to the Big Creek and Southern Railroad located in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. First off, the BC&S railroad is a private track that is devoted to having fun. We are located south of Kansas City about midway between Lees Summit, Mo. and Harrisonville, Mo. There is over 12,000 feet of 7.5 inch gauge main line run on the ground, not counting siding and runarounds. Phase II, which was completed in 2008 and added another 4,000+ feet to the original railroad. There is a 30 foot difference in elevation from the north end to the south end, giving challenge to all steam engines and long trains. This change in elevation has convinced track owner, Pat McCarthy, that safety chains will be required; that began in 2008.
We have a run day the fourth Saturday of each month. We are not open to the public and do not give rides to the public. If you are a railroader and would like to attend a run day, please contact me at my e-mail link.
The construction of the railroad began in 1993 by a group of volunteer railroad enthusiasts on what was previously a cattle barn and pasture owned by track owner and developer Pat McCarthy. The name of the railroad was derived from a very small ditch that begins on the northwest side of the property and transverses to the southwest along the property line. The first priority was creature comfort, so the very first construction efforts were the installation of a septic system and men's and women's restrooms.
The year of 1994 was one of anxious anticipation, hard work and unbelievable major accomplishments. The initial survey of the upper loop began in March, followed by extensive grading and earthen work of the transfer table and steaming bays. By May, the interior of the shop was completed, followed by the stands in the engine barn. June witnessed installation of the driveway and entrance.
The very first New Year's Day "Frostbite Run" was January 1, 1996. All the hard work began to come together this year. The transfer table was finished in May and installed on its rails by August. The awaited day had finally arrived. Even though the upper loop was unfinished and not yet a loop, the railroad was officially christened by the first run on September 10, 1995. The double bridge at Grump's Oil was completed on October 28, followed by the Peculiar and Sterling bridges on November 26 just before winter halted construction.
Much remained to be done before the railroad could be called "operational." In 1996, water to the steaming bays, Big Creek Station and Sterling was installed by April. David's Bridge was completed in June and set on its foundation on July 19. The Sterling Station Water Tower completed the major construction efforts in September.
In the months during 1997 through 2000, more work was completed. Although operational, the maintenance and improvements on the railroad continued at a frantic pace with the addition of sidings, landscaping and outbuildings. The bridge to the switching yard area of the proposed car barn was installed in May of 1998. Phase I construction plans came to fruition by completion of the car barn in May of 2000.
In 2003, Phase II survey and track layout was completed. Then, in 2004, "Phase" II grading and construction began August 14. A milestone was passed when we held the 10th Anniversary "Frostbite Run" in 2005. Grading for the "Inner Loop" was completed in November, 2005.
With this phase, Big Creek and Southern Railroad added 3,000 more feet of mainline run. Since this is a bi-drectional track, this translates to 6,000 more feet of main line track plus three additional passing sidings. September, 2007 saw the opening of the newest section. Click here for pictures of bridges being installed and some work and fun pictures. 2009 saw the completion of the final phase, again adding another 3000'+ track. As of September, 2009, all track construction is completed. Some sidings and spurs may be added later.
We hope you have enjoyed your visit to the Big Creek and Southern Railroad. Please come back as more will be added as time goes on.