Located inside The Roundhouse, a brand new 10,000-square-foot indoor facility at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale, Arizona, this one-of-a-kind indoor play structure invites visitors into a larger-than-life adventure aboard a towering custom built train climber. Inspired by the historic Magma Arizona Railroad Engine #6—a 1907 Baldwin steam locomotive that ran for 54 years—the grand steam engine and tender car offer an immersive, multi-level climbing and interactive experience unlike any other.

 

In this three-story climber, children can ascend through various levels of the structure, including a dramatic netted “smoke plume” that rises above the engine like a giant, climbable cloud. This netting area includes a maze with woven pathways where kids can climb up, through, and around in a high-flying exploration zone.

 

Every element of the train climber is customcrafted. The engine and tender feature gleaming, black-painted steel construction with a glossy copper bulkhead leading the way. Two spiral slides descend from the rear of the train, providing exciting exits for adventurers of all ages.

 

Interactive play is central to the experience.

 

Key Features Include: ​

• Three full-sized interactive Hamster Wheels, acting as the train’s wheels, that kids can walk inside to make the wheels spin like a real locomotive in motion.

• Three hand-cranked Spinning Wheels invite kids to get the spokes turning.

• The wheels trigger surprising train sound effects—like whistles and rhythmic “chugga-chugga” noises—when kids work together to get them spinning.

• An imaginative “Coal Machine” ball machine, where kids turn a crank to activate an auger that lifts black balls (“coal”) onto a winding overhead track connecting the engine to the tender car and back again.

• Three Engine Control Panels with interactive knobs, lights, and dials that simulate the experience of driving a steam locomotive. Two are located on the upper levels, with a fully accessible panel on the ground floor for ADA inclusion

• The Toddler Area, located at the back of the tender car, is a thoughtfully designed space for younger children. Inspired by the engine’s control panels, this area features simplified interactive elements, a mini-slide, custom train-themed graphics, and overhead signage for clear visual identity.

 

With its unique scale, historic inspiration, and custom design, this indoor train climber stands as a bold and playful tribute to railroad history—and delivers an unforgettable adventure for young visitors to the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.

​

Dimensions:

Overall Length: 86ft-5in

Netting Width: 24ft

Engine/Tender Car Width: 13ft-7in

Overall Height: 26ft-4in

​

Installed:

The Roundhouse at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Scottsdale, AZ​

​