Prototype Tours

Want to see a 1916 steam locomotive being restored? Or maybe spend a nice afternoon riding a 1 1/2″ scale live steam railroad? Then Connections 2026 is the place to be!

We will have two different prototype activities at this year’s convention:

Austin & Texas Central Live Steam Railroad

The Austin & Texas Central is the newest iteration of the Central Texas railroad that traces its roots back to 1931. Spend a few hours Saturday afternoon touring the railroad and riding the rails! This is a self-drive tour, with the location northeast of Austin in Thrall (about an hour drive from the hotel – but worth the trip). The railroad will be open from 2-4pm. You must pre-register for this tour (walk-ups will not be allowed) via the store by June 15.

Austin Steam Train Association

Friday afternoon we will be welcomed to the Austin Steam Train Association‘s yard in Cedar Park, where we’ll be given a tour of both their motive power and rolling stock – both live and under restoration. This includes Alco RSD-15 #442 (which is being completely overhauled) and Mikado Mk-5 2-8-2 #786 (which has been completely disassembled, new parts fabricated, and is waiting to be reassembled) as well as their operating GP 40-3 locomotive plus their passenger and other cars. Update: This is a self-driving/carpool tour and is limited to 40 people. The tours will start at 2 pm, with a suggested leaving time no later than 1:15. You must pre-register for this tour (walk-ups will not be allowed) via the store by June 15.

Ash Grove Cement Plant

Update: Unfortunately, this tour has been canceled due to internal issues at the company and we have been unable to schedule a suitable replacement. Tour fees will be refunded at convention check-in.

A great prototype industry to model, the Ash Grove cement plant is serviced by the Union Pacific south of Austin near New Braunfels, TX. We will have a bus take a folks to the plant for a tour of the facility on Friday morning, leaving around 8 am with the tour starting around 9. Attendees will be broken into two groups who will tour different areas in parallel (then switch). This tour is limited to a maximum of 24 people.

The store is open for registration now!