Orange County Model Engineers, Costa Mesa

About Orange County Model Engineers

Orange County Model Engineers operates the Mackerel Flats and Goathill Junction Railroad in Costa Mesa, where visitors ride on a miniature railroad featuring nearly five miles of track. The attraction opens to the public on the third full weekend of each month, with trains operating from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Riders must be at least 31 inches tall and able to walk safely to board the trains. The organization, established in 1985, maintains multiple locomotives and passenger cars with modern replacement trucks featuring heat-treated wheels and roller bearings. Volunteers preserve the historic railroad and its facilities throughout the year. The group also hosts birthday parties on other weekends and welcomes memberships from railroad enthusiasts. Located in Fairview Park, the railroad serves thousands of visitors annually and operates as a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to sharing the heritage of railroading with Orange County residents.