Oklahoma Railway Museum

The Central Oklahoma Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) was founded in 1970 by Central Oklahoma Railfan Club a group of railroad enthusiasts who had interests in modeling, photography, historic preservation, and riding trains. The Chapter discussed building a museum to be an outlet for sharing their hobby with the public. The museum would also be a central repository and display space for the many artifacts and equipment the group was collecting. The Oklahoma Railway Museum (ORM) was established in 2000.

Learn more HERE.

Daniel Boone Railroad Photos And Video Found

I’ve written several posts now about the lost railroad in Hillsborough, NC. The Daniel Boone Railroad is a huge part of our past in NC. Below are some recent photos sent to me by  S.M. Smith, W.K. Smith and family and they retain the rights to the vintage photos. Also displaying some photos of what’s left of the track in Hillsborough, sent to me by Robert Hart. And finally, here is a video by Rob Tudor showing remnants of the railroad.

 

 

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Polar Express

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride

All Aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS! This memorable journey will take you on an incredible journey! Believe the magic this Holiday season!

• Classes of Service and Pricing
• Class Comparison
• Schedule

Over 70,000 passengers rode THE POLAR EXPRESS with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in 2014 and we hope to see you in 2015! The 1¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the Bryson City Depot. THE POLAR EXPRESS begins November 13 and operates through January 3, 2016.

We encourage guests to plan ahead and stay apprised of the latest weather developments. We have yet to cancel a POLAR EXPRESS departure because of inclement weather. If you’re staying in the Gatlinburg/Sevierville, Tennessee area, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service announces road closures and openings on Twitter, or call (865) 436-1200 extension 631 for a recorded message.

In such case Highway 441 is closed through the national park, Interstate 40 typically remains open. Use 45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City, North Carolina 28713 as your destination to find an alternate route.

Have you already ridden THE POLAR EXPRESS here at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad this season? Check out the official PHOTO CONTEST, you could win a Family 4-pack of First Class POLAR EXPRESS tickets! 

Classes of Service

First Class

Off Peak / Peak / Christmas Eve

Adult (13+)	Child (2-12)	Infant (0-23 Months)
$62.00 / $71.00 / $76.00	$43.00 / $48.00 / $52.00	$15.00 / $20.00 / $20.00

View Photos

First Class features interior carpet and plush furniture along with new exterior paint and detailing to highlight the cars authenticity. Large windows and climate control for comfort. Table tops of 4 and 2 are available. You may be seated at a table of 4 if your party is 2. All guests will receive a specialty treat bag with sweet treats, a freshly baked cookie, and warm cocoa served in a POLAR EXPRESS souvenir mug!

Crown Class

Off Peak / Peak / Christmas Eve

Adult (13+)	Child (2-12)	Infant (0-23 Months)
$52.00 / $58.00 / $65.00	$38.00 / $43.00 / $47.00	$10.00 / $15.00 / $15.00

View Photos

Crown Class features climate control for comfort, large picture windows for optimal viewing, and easily accessible restrooms. Seats are arranged in sets of four with two facing each other. This is wonderful for families or parties who wish to stay grouped together throughout the duration of their ride. All guests receive a freshly baked cookie and warm cocoa served in a souvenir POLAR EXPRESS tumbler.

Coach Class

Off Peak / Peak / Christmas Eve

Adult (13+)	Child (2-12)	Infant (0-23 Months)
$42.00 / $48.00 / $55.00	$28.00 / $33.00 / $37.00	$0.00 / $0.00 / $0.00

View Photos

Coach Class features windows that are able to open for fresh-air, ceiling fans and heat for cooler evenings. Seats are arranged in sets of four with two facing each other. A freshly baked cookie and warm cocoa is served to guests by the car’s friendly POLAR EXP

Track or Treat Halloween Express: 20 years of family fun at New Hope Valley Railway

On the last two Saturdays in October, New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR) will offer train rides and family fun in the rail yard during Track or Treat Halloween Express.

This year, marks the 20th year of the family-friendly event, which takes place on Oct. 24 and Oct. 31, with Ghost Train excursions departing at 4, 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. An additional 2:30 p.m.train departure time is being added on Oct. 31. Tickets are $13 for adults and children (2 and under free) and should be purchased in advance at www.TriangleTrain.com. Visitors are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their train departure time. The first Halloween Train departed Bonsal on Oct. 26, 1996 with 184 riders and was organized by NHVR member Walt Williams and his wife Brenda. Along with others on the all-volunteer railroad staff, they planned and carried out the annual Halloween activities for 11 years. “Someone suggested a Halloween ride and we jumped on the opportunity to organize it and invite the community out to our rail yard to ride the trains,” said Walt Williams. “Each year, we were looking for ways to make it more fun by adding little details and more to see.” Today, Track or Treat Halloween Express has grown into a two-Saturday event during the end of October. Along the 8-mileround trip train route, riders will see interactive Halloween scenes. The decorated haunted rail yard will include a 20-foot black cat and pumpkins atop the North Carolina Railroad Museum store train car singing Monster Mash, Ghostbusters and Michael Jackson’sThriller. Visitors to a stationary train caboose in the rail yard will meet palm reader Iseemore the Magnificent and Dr. CO2, the creator of magical boo bubbles. Children and adults are encouraged to wear their costumes and each child will receive a small gift before the train ride, while supplies last. The earlier train ride times are recommended for younger riders who may be frightened by the Halloween characters. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream of Apex will serve cups of homemade ice cream in a variety of flavors including pumpkin patch, pumpkin cheesecake, orange sherbet, chocolate cookie dough and Oreo. Attendees can add sprinkles, M&Ms, gummi worms and whipping cream as toppings. Ice cream is not included in the ticket price. “We strive to make our Track or Treat Halloween Expressevent suitable for all ages to enjoy. It’s a fun event for both children and those who are still children at heart,” said Dave Chasco, NHVR marketing director. More info: http://www.triangletrain.com/

Riding the Train at High Point City Lake Park

Who knew that there was such a cool, little train ride down in High Point, NC? Neither did I until we were invited to the American Express company picnic. We were thrilled to find the 24 guage ride that meanders past the lake, around 2 loops and through a tunnel. The park also has a Merry-Go-Round, a huge playground, bathroom facilities and much more. However, the train was the star of the show for us. The colors and steam engine style is very similar to the Burlington City Park Train. Still, it was great fun on a beautiful day.

Update: Received an email from a reader who sent 2 awesome photos of what this train looked like in the 1960’s…

Cape Fear Model Railroad: 18th Annual Model Railroad Show and Sale

18^th Annual Model Railroad Show and Sale

January 24 & 25, 2015

Saturday, January 24^th – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, January 25^th – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Admission   $5.00 Adults $3.00 Children

Children 5 & Under Free

Location American Legion Post 10 – 702 Pine Grove Drive – Wilmington NC 28409

For more information, please call Mary Weaver (910) 612-0118

     or Eddie Richard at (910) 231-8567

www.capefearmodelrailroadsociety.org

or e-mail: CFMRRS@charter.net

Free Clinics by Tom Staley from Tom’s Train Station of Cary NC

Interactive operating layouts.

   

Brew ‘n’ Choo Brings Craft Beer, Food Trucks & Live Music to Rail Yard

(Bonsal, NC, September 16, 2014) – New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR) is opening its rail yard for an evening fundraiser with activities that adults can enjoy. Brew ‘n’ Choo http://www.triangletrain.com/brewnchoo/ scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4, from 4 – 9 p.m., will feature one-hour train excursions departing throughout the evening along with local craft beer, food trucks and live music at the rail yard located in Bonsal, N.C., 30 minutes southwest of downtown Raleigh.

The fundraiser will benefit restoration of the historic Cliffside 110, a steam locomotive acquired by the non-profit railway museum last year. The steam engine is being repaired by NHVR volunteers so it can operate on the four-mile main line used by the railway for public ride days. The estimated restoration cost is between $350,000 and $600,000.

“As an all-volunteer railroad staffed by train enthusiasts, we’re always looking for ways to share our rail yard with the public,” says NHVR President Mike MacLean. “Brew ‘n’ Choo gives folks an evening to ride our trains, eat some good food, listen to music and sample craft beers all while supporting the restoration of the Cliffside 110 historic steam engine,” he adds.

Fortnight Brewing Company www.fortnightbrewing.com will be pouring its most popular beers for tastings and $5 pints. Manna Concessions www.mannaconcessions.com will sell a variety of special menu items including fried pimento cheese sliders, shrimp po’ boy sandwiches, smoked chicken and apple sausage, and barbeque pork sandwiches. Each meal is served with a side and non-alcoholic drink. Specialty cobblers, brownies, cakes and other sweet treats will be sold by LadyBug’s Treats www.ladybugstreats.org.

Bluegrass and folk music will be played throughout the evening by local musicians India Cain and Keith Allen. http://www.indiacainmusic.com/p/about-us.html

One-hour, round-trip steam train excursions will depart at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and the diesel train departs at 6:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.

Admission to the Brew ‘n’ Choo fundraiser costs $14/adult for the steam train excursion and entertainment. Diesel train excursion tickets are $12/adult. Tickets should be purchased online prior to the event at www.TriangleTrain.com. Tickets will also be sold at the rail yard ticket booth the day of the event.

Beer and food will be sold separately at the event and are not included in the train excursion fee; however, guests will have the option to select and purchase their meal in advance when buying tickets online. No outside drinks or food will be allowed inside the rail yard during the event.

Designated drivers can request a special wristband upon entry at the ticket booth for free soda and water all night. Children may attend the family-friendly event but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Visit the website (link to http://www.triangletrain.com/brewnchoo/) and the Triangle Train Facebook page (link to www.facebook.com/TriangleTrain) to stay up-to-date with the latest event information.

About New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR)

New Hope Valley Railway, the Triangle’s Train, straddles the historic towns of Bonsal and New Hill, North Carolina, 30-minutes southwest of Raleigh, off of U.S. Highway 1, Exit 89. The organization was chartered in 1983 by the East Carolina Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society and soon began its all-volunteer operated public train ride days. In 2014, trains operate the second Saturday and fourth Friday of each month, April-November

There are also special event ride days and the popular Track or Treat Halloween Express and Holiday Santa Trains. Also available are opportunities to operate a train, host a birthday party in an historic caboose, and visit the North Carolina Railroad Museum, G Scale model garden railroad and gift shop.

Learn more at www.TriangleTrain.com or connect on social media:

www.facebook.com/TriangleTrain

www.twitter.com/Triangle_Train

www.youtube.com/TriangleTrain

To view the full operating schedule for 2014, please visit www.TriangleTrain.com/schedule

The Polar Express Comes To NC Transportation Museum

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New Hope Valley Railway Hosts Ride the Rails with Santa Claus this Holiday Season

Ride the Rails with Santa Claus this Holiday Season

New Hope Valley Railway Hosts Annual Santa Train Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15

(Bonsal, NC, Oct. 31, 2013) — The New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR), will offer its annual Holiday Santa Trains the first two weekends of December on Saturdays Dec. 7 and 14 and Sundays Dec. 8 and 15, 2013. Trains will depart from the rail yard located in Bonsal, N.C., just 10 minutes south of Apex off of U.S. Highway 1, Exit 89.

A number of holiday characters will interact with kids of all ages during their visit. Frosty the Snowman will greet children in the rail yard, while an elf from the North Pole hands out candy canes or coal depending on who’s been naughty or nice. Santa Clause will be on board the train joining visitors for a ride in the open-air passenger cars pulled by either a diesel or steam locomotive. Santa will go car-to-car, talk to each child and pose for photos during the hour-long ride. “The holidays are such a special time of year at the New Hope Valley Railway, and the annual rides with Santa are a favorite among both visitors and volunteers who put the event together,” says long-time NHVR volunteer Dave Chasco. “We see many families return year after year who’ve made the Triangle Train part of their holiday tradition.” Chasco says there can be a chill in the air in December and advises visitors to check the weather and dress accordingly. “Trains will operate in snow, sleet or rain, so come prepared,” he adds. Hot chocolate, hot dogs and other concessions are available from a food vendor set-up in the rail yard. Tickets may be purchased online at www.TriangleTrain.comor at the train yard the day of the ride. Holiday Santa Trains will operate two weekends in December 2013: • Saturday and Sunday, December 7 & 8 • Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15 Diesel train rides depart at: • 11:00 am, 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm Steam train rides depart at: • 12:15 pm and 2:45 pm Diesel train ride tickets are: • $10 for adults and $7 for children, ages 2-12. Steam train ride tickets are: • $12 for adults and $8 for children. NHVR recommends buying tickets online and arriving at the train yard 30 minutes before the listed departure time. Learn more by visiting www.TriangleTrain.com orwww.facebook.com/TriangleTrain.

New Hope Valley Railway Halloween Train Rides, Oct. 19 & 26, 2013

New Hope Valley Railway will host Track or Treat – a Spooky Ride on the Halloween Express on Saturdays, October 19 and 26, at the rail yard in Bonsal, located off of U.S. Highway 1, just 30 minutes southwest of downtown Raleigh.

Children and adults of all ages will enjoy riding a real locomotive decorated with cob webs and jack-o-lanterns as they encounter witches, goblins and a mysterious ghost train during the hour-long train ride. Riders receive a sweet treat as they exit the train after the 4 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. rides through the haunted woods.

Visitors can also see the G-Scale garden railroad, visit the North Carolina Railroad Museum and get up close to real railroad cars and equipment in the yard. Riders may visit the gift shop to take home their own Triangle Train whistles, engineer hats and other train memorabilia.

For tickets and details, visit www.triangletrain.com or facebook.com/TriangleTrain.

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