About the BCWRR







The Bitter Creek Western Railroad (BCWRR) is a 7.5-inch gauge railroad located on the Nipomo Mesa just outside Arroyo Grande, CA about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco along Highway 101 [map].

The railroad includes 1.2 miles (9.6 scale miles) of mainline with many sidings and two rail yards. Pictured at left, the facilities include fourteen steaming bays, hydraulic lift and turntable. A 14x80 foot car barn, 3 bridges, 3 trestles, and 3 tunnels can be found along the way. Most mainline switches are motorized with spring points. There are six water sources amongst the trees, shrubs and flowers.

More Information and Riding Rules.

Track Diagram | Aerial Photos

Videos | Historical Photos

All on 7+ acres, the Bitter Creek Western Railroad is owned by Karl Hovanitz. Karl bought the BCWRR from Doug Chancey in June of 1999. Doug began the BCWRR in 1984.

The BCWRR is not a club or other formal organization. It is owned and operated by Karl Hovanitz for the benefit of all his friends that like to play trains. It's a place where friends can meet and share a common joy and passion - railroading! If you want to play, come on out on a scheduled event day and get to know us. If you're coming through at an "off time", just give us a holler first...

Karl may be contacted via:
  • E-mail Karl
  • "Snail Mail" to:
    Karl Hovanitz
    2110 S. Halcyon Road [map]
    Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
If you're looking for the webman: Webman@BCWRR.org

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This site was last updated on March 17, 2024 - What's New
Copyright © 2003-Present. Over 20 years!
All rights are reserved as to text and images on this web site either by the BCWRR or the writer/creator of the material.
The rolling stock images used/modified at the top for navigation are from Dan's Depot.