With transportation costs up, one of the oldest icons of the Industrial Age is once again coming to prominence. Trains are the object of interest in the United States at levels not seen for decades, with some of the most foresightful investors around — including the world’s richest man, Warren Buffet — placing billions of dollars on old-line companies like Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern.
The reason behind the trend is fairly obvious. Most investors have begun to believe that today’s high fuel prices are permanent (see the interview with Chris Nelder, below, for more). In addition, trains are seen as a good way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as one train can tote as much freight as hundreds of trucks, or as many people as thousands of cars.
The Polar Express at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Departs Bryson City
“All Aboard” says the conductor, as your train ride begins. Families are sure to enjoy their trip to the North Pole, complete with cocoa and cookies served on board the train, followed by a reading of The Polar Express™ by Chris Van Allsburg.
Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will greet the children and each child will receive their own jingle bell, just like in the story. There will be caroling on board the train as your trip returns to the depot. This is a holiday ride the entire family will enjoy.
Ticket prices start at $38.00 for adults and $26.00 for children ages 2-12.
Children under two years old ride complimentary, but must be seated in an adult’s lap. Premium rates may apply to select dates. For more information and reservations please call 800-872-4681 or visit us online at www.GSMR.com.
First Class seating upgrades are available. Each first class guest will receive a deluxe serving of hot chocolate in a souvenir Polar Express mug, and enjoy short breads and other treats in addition to the standard offerings. First Class fares are $57.00 for adults and $40.00 for children ages 2-12. Children under two years old are $10.00.
All aboard! Come join the Crabtree Rotary and Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department as Pullen Park will be festively decorated with thousands of lights and transformed into a winter wonderland!
December 10-13, 2009
Pullen Park 520 Ashe Avenue Raleigh
4:00 -9:00 pm
( Due to Santa’s busy schedule, Santa will only be onsite until 9:00 pm, however rides will continue through 9:30 pm)
Children and adults alike will enjoy this holiday experience as they take the ride of a life time aboard the Santa Express Train! Experience an unforgettable adventure through acres of pure holiday magic where thousands of lights dazzle your senses and then stop off at Santa’s Village where you’ll meet Santa himself! The evening will also feature concessions, carousel rides, holiday entertainment and more!
Puchase Tickets in Advance for just $7 per person! To purchase tickets:
Holiday Express Parking and Shuttle Information: All Event parking is located off Western Boulevard at the Dorthea Dix Soccer fields on Hunt Drive. Both parking and shuttle services are free to the public and will be available daily from 4:00 pm-9:30 pm. Shuttles will also be able to accommodate ADA and stroller needs.
For more info on the event or for information on becoming a sponsor of the Holiday Express, CLICK HEREor contact the Pullen Park Ticket Office at 919-831-6468.
Tickets only available on the day of the event. Meet Santa Claus as he trades his sleigh for a locomotive! Take a 25-minute train ride with Santa and his elves, as Santa hands out oranges and candy canes, a Southern Railway tradition.
Children will hear classic Christmas tales and have fun making holiday ornaments in the Roundhouse.
$7 per person Children who are 2 and under and will sit on a guardian’s lap for the
length of the train ride are free, and do not need a ticket to ride the train. $5 for Firemen Level Members
$3.50 for Conductor Level Members Free for Engineer Level Members
CLICK HERE to find our how to have cookies and cocoa with Santa!
SPENCER, N.C. – More than 400 Boy Scouts will spend a busy and fun-filled weekend at the N.C. Transportation Museum during Rail Camp, Nov. 6-8. Troops will spend Friday through Sunday at the museum, the site of the former Spencer Shops steam locomotive repair facility.
Most of the 28 troops attending this year’s Rail Camp come from North Carolina. However, troops will also be traveling from as far north as Danville, Va. and as far south as Anderson, S.C. All will learn about locomotive travel and rail transportation and earn their Railroading Merit Badge.
Many troops and their leaders have been attending Rail Camp for several years. Dwight Creason, who leads Troop 525 from Mocksville, has attended for the past eight years. Creason’s says the scouts are able to learn a lot in a few days. “Most of them, even though they’ve read this stuff in the history books, they really don’t have a concept of it until its hands on,” he said. Creason credits the location, the former Spencer Shops, as making those lessons more tangible. “Being there on site where thousands of men worked several years ago, that’s a pretty awesome experience in itself.”
The North Raleigh Model Railroad Club (NRMRC) is the N Scale NTRAK model railroad club in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park area, one of the best areas in the USA to live and work.
Founded in 1974, NRMRC members are dedicated to furthering the hobby of N-Scale model railroading through educational activities, community involvement and public displays. The Club models all railroads and welcomes new members, especially newcomers to the hobby. There is always plenty to do and learn, so come and join the fun. Check the Club’s News and Information page for meetings and the next train show in this area.
Wilson, NC has a train ride in the city park that has been in operation for more than 50 years. I love all the train rides in the city parks. It reminds me so much of growing up riding the train Burlington and the book, “Mr. Punnymoon’s Train.”
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Several years ago, cities and towns in the foothills and mountains of western North Carolina were anxiously awaiting the return of passenger rail service.
In March 2001, the N.C. Department of Transportation adopted a phased plan to extend passenger rail service to Asheville and western North Carolina. Travelers have often listed Asheville as the No. 1 most requested destination in the United States that does not have Amtrak service. The plan called for passenger trains to run between Salisbury and Asheville with stops in Statesville, Hickory, Valdese, Morganton, Marion, Old Fort and Black Mountain.
The plan also included the renovating or building of train stations that would also have other community uses. Both Marion and Old Fort had their depots extensively renovated and these buildings have since become community centers for special events.
However, state budget constraints prompted the state DOT to delay the return of passenger rail service to the mountains. In the meantime, the department will continue to work with communities on stations and rail safety improvements, according to the N.C. Rail Division’s Web site.
This is another children’s book about trains that I grew up with. It’s still as popular today as it was 30 years ago.
The story helps improve self-worth as the little red caboose is sad about never getting waves from people like the big steam engine or other cars.
One day as the train starts it’s way up a tall mountain, the train starts to slip and the little red caboose throws on the brakes and works hard to keep the train from sliding down the mountain or derailing.
It manages to hold on long enough for 2 steam engines to come to the rescue and push the train up and over the mountain. So, the little red caboose sves the day and ends up becoming the most p0pular part of the train.
Probably the best lesson here is that you’re never too small to make a difference in life.
Children’s books about trains are magical because of the stories and images that manage to stay in our heads for decades. It’s hard to believe this book was first published in 1952, but I remember loving it as a child…and my 7-year old has loved it since he was born.
December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20
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The North Raleigh Model Railroad Club (NRMRC) is the N Scale NTRAK model railroad club in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park area, one of the best areas in the USA to live and work.
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