Welcome to the Orange County Model Engineers Inc. 

We are a non-profit organization that operates a 7 1/2" gauge railroad at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa, California.   Officially known as, Mackerel Flats and Goat Hill Junction Railroad, the club was founded in 1988 by a group of local railroad buffs.   Currently there is over 5 miles of actual track winding through the park. A variety of trains run on the track and represent 1 1/2", 2 1/2" and 3 1/2" scale equipment.

Anyone who has a desire to work and have fun at the railroad can join.   The club has 6 engines and over 45 bench cars for the public to ride.  Many of the members have worked for the real railroads and or have civil and mechanical engineering experience.   It's a great place to learn and spend time with real trains and enthusiasts, no matter if you're 10 or 80. 

Public ride days are the highlight for the club.   They are conducted on the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of each month from 10 am until 3:30 pm.   In 2006 we gave rides to over 30,000 people.   The club has a variety of engines and riding cars.   Trains on public ride days are made up of 4 to 6 bench cars that seat 5 to 6 adults and children.   Rides are free however, donations are welcome and help keep the trains running.

Our primary interest is running a safe and reliable first class railroad. Members take great pride in the design and engineering of the facility.   Many dedicated volunteers donate countless hours keeping this railroad safe for all who share the joy in "riding the rails".

A typical trip takes about 12 minutes and covers two loops of the park.   Bridges and terrain variations are just part of the scenery as is the back end of the Costa Mesa Golf Course.