LARGO, Fla. — A new locomotive at Largo Central Railroad is ready to hit the tracks this weekend.

These ride-on-top trains have carried passengers at Largo Central Park since 1991. The railroad offers rides the first weekend of every month through donations. 

What You Need To Know

  • Largo Central Railroad offers rides the first weekend of every month through donations

  • For more information, visit lcrailroad.org

Santino Jones is a conductor at the railroad. A few years back, the high school senior found the 7.5-gauge railroad and became hooked.

“I came out here. One trip around. After that, it’s been a dream come true,” said Jones. “I’m blessed I’ve been able to have an opportunity like this.”

Jones also helped rebuild Sparky, the electric locomotive and the train club’s newest addition to their fleet.

“I’ve liked trains since Day One,” said Jones. “I love the size and I love the sound and it always fascinated me.”

And fellow member Jim O’Connor used his background as an electrician to bring Sparky back to life, complete with sound. 

It’s that big sound that drew Jones to the train and continues to attract the next generation of conductors. 

“It just brings me back to memories of when I was a little kid and my parents taking me to different museums and different clubs and learning more about trains,” said Jones. “I see it every day when a kid comes up to me.”