Myrtle Grove's
"Lisa Lou"

Ever since I was a kid I loved trains. I grew up with HO scale, Lionel and LGB. I always have been fascinated by the ride-on steam trains. I vowed one day to have a ride on train of my own. I met Mr. Gordon Payne of the Louisiana, Texas & Pacific Railroad. He has two ride-on locomotives that be built for himself. One is a diesel and the other is a steam outline.

Mr. Payne is the builder of the Lisa Lou. We originally modeled the Lisa Lou after the Virginia & Truckee Tahoe. With my love and admiration for the Walt Disney World Railroad, we painted the Lisa Lou the colors of the Lilly Belle. I named her after my wife, Lisa, Just as Walt Disney named his 7.5 inch CP 173 after his wife Lillian.

Mr. Payne is very knowledgeable in building these ride-on trains. His attention to detail is outstanding. Mr. Payne drew the plans for the Lisa Lou and he helped me make my dream a reality. I honored Mr. Payne by having builder plates made for his outstanding work. "Gordo Locomotive Works."

Lisa Lou's boiler is constructed of PVC pipe. The cab, cow catcher, and tender are hand-built by Mr. Payne. The frame was welded together by me. The control system is a 4QD Pro 150. The powered trucks are from Plum Cove Studios. The hand rail stanchions were made by Jeff Dute from Loco Parts. The sand and steam dome parts are from Railroad Supply Co.

Mr. Rob Ciuffi
President and Trainmaster
Myrtle Grove Railroad