RIVERVIEW TRAINS
The many miniature trains that ran at Riverview park were always so very popular with both adults and children. The very first miniature steam locomotives transported guests throughout the perimeter of the park and under the roller coaster.
A prominent name associated with miniature riding railroads throughout the Riverview era was the Thornton family. Elmer Thornton was a real Train engineer that took to building miniature running steam locomotives. His trains thrilled thousands not only at Riverview but also other public venues such as the Iowa State Fair.
The Steam whistles of the Thornton trains were a unique yet familiar sound heard all around the area that everyone associated with fun and good times.
The unforgettable chuff and whistle-Click 
below...wait several seconds and click a second time if needed
A PICTURE CAN REVIVE HUNDREDS OF MEMORIES...
The first Riverview railroads.
Still very early...
A larger scale train in the 1930's.
From 1951 -We think the crouching engineer is Bob Thornton, son of train builder Elmer Thornton
Des Moines Register and Tribune, 1959 “Hundreds of boys and girls who during the school year see that their fellow students get safely across dangerous traffic intersections, Thursday had a picnic at Riverview park." Here, several members of the school safety patrol enjoy the day at Riverview.
After engineering for the Thorntons for several years, 4 foot 4 inch, Stanley Hicks (Shorty) of Mesa, Arizona, purchased 2 trains from the Thorntons in 1958 and took over the Riverview railroad as owner/operator of the trains.
A great shot of Stan engineering one of his trains. We get so many emails from people fondly remembering their ride on the train with "Shorty", the perfect engineer, at the controls. Notice the shine on this engine, representing the detailed care he gave his trains. Special thanks to Stan's daughter, Susan for sharing this picture.
At the end of the 60's Shorty is ready to retire back to Arizona and sells the trains to railroad enthusiasts, Manfred Kiess and Gordon Smith, who formed the Steam, Soot and Cinders Ltd, and operated the steam trains for the next 7 plus years.
Finally with the extinction of coke briquettes and parts to keep the steam train running, Riverview purchases a gasoline powered miniature train. It just wasn't the same though and the steam locomotives were dearly missed by all, staff and guests alike.
