All aboard on the East Bay Railway

HURON TWP. — People can traverse across various Erie MetroParks properties by walking, hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing and horseback riding.But don't forget about hopping on a miniature train to explore Eagle Point within East Sandusky Bay MetroPark.Members belonging to the Erie Metro Live Steamers group continue to expand a 1/8th scale track layout, spanning 7.5 inches between rails.The East Bay Railway today constitutes about 4,400 feet of track with rails looping, weaving, bridging and cutting through open and wooded park areas. It's considerably grown in just a couple years, starting out as just a 600-foot oval in this same location.Train rides, open to community members on select weekends this year, strive to accomplish two tasks:• Educate people, especially children, on train safety• Inform people about the importance of nature in Eagle Point, an area best known for its observation deck perfect for spotting American bald eagles"Some people would never think to walk back in this area, but these trains can help people see what they're missing," group president Dave Foster said.Group members, who partner with Erie MetroParks, don't receive one cent of taxpayer funds toward train construction. Rather volunteers representing the nonprofit rely on grant money, donations and their own resources to fund their work.They're also cognizant of wildlife preservation.For instance, they're building a bridge to further enlarge the line. The bridge should span over an area so it won't detour critters, such as frogs, from their normal migration patterns."We do everything we can not to alter the landscape that surrounds us," Foster said. "We're not chopping down trees to build lines. The covenant on this land should be a nature-type preserve and do whatever you can to make it available for the public."Members meet about twice a week to work on the line.Among the more dedicated helpers: Marshall Stewart, 11, who travels with his grandfather, Dale, from Clarksfield, about a 45-minute drive to Erie County."I'm learning new things, and when I'm older, I can do this on my own," said Marshall, who lays down stone and makes ties. "It's fun to work on them but even more fun to ride them." Erie Metro Live Steamers 2016 schedule• Saturday: 1-3 p.m.• June 25: 1-3 p.m.• July 16: 1-3 p.m.• Aug. 13: 1-3 p.m.• Aug. 27: 1-3 p.m.• Sept. 10: 1-3 p.m.• Oct. 1: 1-5 p.m.• Oct. 2: 1-5 p.m.Note: All rides — free and open to the public, including adults and children — located at Eagle Point in East Sandusky Bay MetroPark at 3819 Cleveland Road W., Huron Want to donate?The nonprofit organization, which doesn't receive any public subsidy, seeks donations to help offset their costs. People can donate by:• Emailing dfoster250@aol.com• Visiting: eriemetrolivesteamers.com Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOurielBrenda Ciesinski, front, navigates the train while Sandi Foster sits on the back while riding around the track Thursday afternoon at Eagle Point in East Sandusky Bay MetroPark on Cleveland Road West (U.S. 6).The Erie Metro Live Steamers club is working on extending the railway at Eagle Point in East Sandusky Bay MetroPark on Cleveland Road West (U.S. 6). The club plans on completing the new bridge in six weeks.A 1/8th scale train, spanning 7.5 inches wide, totals about 4,400 feet around Eagle Point in East Sandusky Bay MetroPark on Cleveland Road West (U.S. 6).Dave Foster, president of the Erie Metro Live Steamers, sits on one of the trains Thursday afternoon at Eagle Point in East Sandusky Bay MetroPark on Cleveland Road West (U.S. 6).Train engines sit on the loading platform at Eagle Point in East Sandusky Bay MetroPark on Cleveland Road West (U.S. 6).A 1/8th scale train, spanning 7.5 inches wide, totals about 4,400 feet around Eagle Point in East Sandusky Bay MetroPark on Cleveland Road West (U.S. 6).Dave Foster, president of the Erie Metro Live Steamers, points to where the club will build a bridge to extend the railway that has already been placed at Eagle Point in East Sandusky Bay MetroPark on Cleveland Road West (U.S. 6).A 1/8th scale train, spanning 7.5 inches wide, totals about 4,400 feet around Eagle Point in East Sandusky Bay MetroPark on Cleveland Road West (U.S. 6).