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

New Hope Valley Railway opens this weekend with big event, train rides

Source: http://www.wral.com

By Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

New Hope Valley Railway opens a few weeks earlier this season so it can be part of the statewide North Carolina Science Festival.

The railway, which features seasonal rides on its steam and diesel engines, will open Sunday and feature a day of demonstrations and kids’ activities, along with its regularly scheduled rides. Gates will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday at the train yard in Bonsal, N.C., which is 10 minutes south of Apex off U.S. 1.

The event will include train science related activities, including how a diesel motor turns a generator to create electricity; how train tracks work; and what’s behind the workings of boilers and nozzles.

Continue reading…

 

Reynolda House Museum of American Art Opens Trains that Passed in the Night The Photographs of O. Winston Link

The Reynolda House Museum of American Art presents Trains that Passed in the Night: The Photographs of O. Winston Link on view February 19—June 19, 2011.

O. Winston Link’s haunting black-and-white photographs from the 1950s depict the end of the era of steam railroading in the United States and the rural landscapes of Virginia and North Carolina that these last trains passed through. Link’s evocative nocturnal images are at once highly staged technical feats, nostalgic representations of a disappearing way of life, and beautifully strange works of art produced during the era of film noir.

Link, a commercial photographer in New York City, made more than twenty trips to Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina between 1955 and 1960 to photograph the Norfolk & Western Railway. His photographs convey an eerie sense of absence, representing the vanishing “species” of the steam locomotive. But the images, which often include railroad workers or local residents, are also imbued with a deep humanity, a reminder of the complicated relationship between man and machine.

Link’s achievements have received international recognition and his photographs can be found in the nation’s premier museum collections, including the Museum of Modern Art, the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. In 2004, the O. Winston Link Museum opened in Roanoke, Virginia.

Trains that Passed in the Night is drawn from the collection of Link’s former assistant and agent Thomas Garver and is circulated by the Center for Railroad Photography & Art. The exhibition is comprised of fifty black-and-white gelatin silver photographs printed and signed during O. Winston Link’s lifetime. Reynolda’s installation of the exhibition will include text by experts on photography, railroad history, film, and contemporary art, and a multi-media section featuring train films and sounds.

For more, visit: http://museumpublicity.com/2011/02/20/reynolda-house-museum-of-american-art-opens-trains-that-passed-in-the-night-the-photographs-of-o-winston-link/

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Tweetsie Officially Opens For The Season On April 30th!

Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina’s first family theme park, opens for the 2010 season on Friday, April 30th. Come join the fun!!

Source: Wikipedia

Opened in 1957, Tweetsie Railroad began as an excursion train ride aboard steam locomotive #12, the only surviving narrow-gauge engine of the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC). Built in 1917 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, #12 is a 3 ft  (914 mm) (narrow gauge) 4-6-0 coal-fired locomotive that was used to haul passengers and freight over the ET&WNC’s 66-mile (106.2 km) line running from Johnson City over the Appalachian Mountains to Boone, North Carolina. After the narrow gauge portion of the ET&WNC ceased operations in 1950, the locomotive was purchased by a group of railroad enthusiasts and was taken to Rockingham County, Virginia to operate as the small “Shenandoah Central” tourist line in 1952.

Floodwaters from Hurricane Hazel washed out the Shenandoah Central in 1954, and Locomotive #12 was once again put up for sale. Hollywood actor Gene Autry considered purchasing the locomotive to move to California for use in motion pictures.

Instead, Grover Robbins, an entrepreneur from Blowing Rock, North Carolina, bought the locomotive in 1956 and moved the engine back to its native Blue Ridge Mountains as the centerpiece of a new “Tweetsie Railroad“ tourist attraction. A 3-mile (4.8 km) loop of track was constructed near Boone, North Carolina for the train to run on, and on July 4, 1957, the locomotive made its first public trip over the line.

Tweetsie Railroad became a popular tourist attraction, and evolved into one of the nation’s first theme parks. A western town and saloon were built around the depot area. A train robbery and Indian attack show were added to the train ride, playing off the Wild West theme that was very popular at the time on television and movies. The theme was enhanced by regular visits WBTV television personality/singing cowboy Fred Kirby, who hosted a popular children’s show. In 1962, a chairlift and amusement ride area was constructed at the top of the mountain inside the rail loop, and over the decades the park has been expanded with additional rides, attractions, shops, restaurants, and special events.

One of Tweetsie Railroad’s two steam locomotives, 2-8-2 #190, on May 20th, 2007.The Tweetsie Railroad theme park is open from early May through October of each year. One of its most popular annual events is the nighttime “Ghost Train Halloween Festival” in October. In addition to the Wild West train adventure and the amusement rides, Tweetsie Railroad has a variety of live entertainment shows featuring talented performers selected from the immediate area and from the Southeast.

Tweetsie acquired another steam locomotive, USATC S118 Class 2-8-2 #190, the “Yukon Queen” from Alaska’s White Pass and Yukon Route in 1960. Built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1943 for the US Army, the engine was part of an 11-locomotive fleet of “MacArthur” 2-8-2s originally purchased for use overseas. During World War II, the locomotives were sent to Alaska for use on the White Pass and Yukon.

In 1961, Grover Robbins built another train ride and tourist attraction called “Rebel Railroad” in the Smoky Mountains near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Renamed “Goldrush Junction” in 1966, it was sold to the Cleveland Browns football team in 1970. In 1976, the attraction was sold again to Jack and Pete Herschend of Branson, Missouri, who redeveloped it as a theme park, “Silver Dollar City Tennessee”. In 1986, country music star Dolly Parton became a partowner with the Herschends, and the theme park was renamed Dollywood to reflect her involvement.

The name “Tweetsie” was given to the original East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad by area residents who became accustomed to the shrill “tweet, tweet” of the train whistles that echoed through the mountains. The nickname stuck with the train and became more identifiable than the railroad’s actual name.

Visit http://www.tweetsie.com!

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Railfan Day on the Red Springs and Northern Railroad!

This is your chance to ride our Motor Car train on the entire railroad, from Red Springs, NC to Parkton, NC and return, traveling through Shannon and Lumber Bridge, through the flat Eastern North Carolina farming country, and by the many mysterious Carolina Bays along the line. Total mileage will be about 11.5 miles each way on the original Bennettsville Branch of the Atlantic Coast Line (originally part of the Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad), which hasn’t seen a passenger train in over 60 years!

Our train consists of open-air trailer cars with bench type seating being pulled by class A railroad speeders. A very limited number of speeder tickets may be available that morning for a $10 upcharge. Trips will depart from Red Springs, NC at our yard at Vance and Robert Streets, where there is plenty of parking. We will have one photo stop on each trip as we travel through the swamps and farmland enroute to Parkton.

We will enjoy a 45-minute layover in Parkton to visit our Parkton ACL depot/museum, purchase a drink and snack, and watch some CSX mainline freight train action before we return to Red Springs. Fares are $15.00 per adult and children ages 5-12 are $10.00 each.

This trip is not recommended for children younger than five due to our open cars. An All-Day pass for all three trips is $40.00 for the day. Due to the historic nature of our equipment, it will be difficult to host handicapped passengers. Restrooms and Drinks and Snacks are available in Red Springs, Lumber Bridge and Parkton.

Three Trips are Available

First trip departs Red Springs at 8:30 am and returns at 11:45 am

Second trip departs Red Springs at 12 noon and returns at 3:15 pm

Third trip departs Red Springs at 3:30 pm and returns at 6:45 pm.

You should arrive at our boarding site 30 minutes before your trip to allow ample time for parking, getting tickets, and boarding.

Order Tickets Today, Capacity is Extremely Limited!!!

Rain Date will be Sunday, April 25

For further information or to make reservations, please contact Carey Boney at 910-285-7489 between the hours of 6 pm and 9 pm daily, or via email at careyboney@embarqmail.com. Reservations will be held for one week to allow time to mail checks or money orders to: Red Springs and Northern Railroad, c/o Carey Boney, 1605 Powers Road, Wallace, NC 28466.

Tickets may be available on the day of the trips, if not previously sold out. All reserved tickets will be available in Red Springs one hour before boarding. No tickets will be mailed out. A list of hotels is available upon request. The railroad reserves the right to cancel, reschedule trains and operating days or to substitute equipment, or adjust the trip length as required or necessary.

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The Top 10 Model Train Shops in North Carolina and South Carolina

bryson city trains

Source: http://www.hotoytrains.com

For the past year I’ve been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website.  These shops all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the states of North Carolina and South Carolina.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in North Carolina and South Carolina are:

10. The Hobby House in Hendersonville, North Carolina

9. Todd’s Train Depot in Wendell, North Carolina

8. Little Choo Choo Shop in Spencer, North Carolina

7. Rail and Spike Trains in Easley, South Carolina

6. The Train Loft in Winston Salem, North Carolina

5. Factory Direct Trains in Asheville, North Carolina

4. Blue Ridge Hobbies in Greenville, South Carolina

3. Time Zone Hobbies and Toys in Aiken, South Carolina

2. Tom’s Train Station in Raleigh, North Carolina

…and the most popular shop for model trains in North Carolina or South Carolina is…

1. Greensboro Electric Trains in Greensboro, North Carolina

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were ABC RC Hobby in Forest City, North Carolina; Chuck’s Trains in Landis, North Carolina; Dry Bridge Station in Mount Airy, North Carolina; Hayes Hobby House in Fayetteville, North Carolina; Leland’s Toy Trains and Planes in Hildebran, North Carolina; Zoo Toys and Trains in Wilmington, North Carolina; Hobby Station in Bethune, South Carolina; New Brookland RR and Hobby in West Columbia, South Carolina; SVC Trains in Georgetown, South Carolina; and The Great Escape Bicycles and Hobby Shop in Spartanburg, Anderson, and Greenville, South Carolina.

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE

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Holiday Express at Pullen Park in Raleigh!

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:

• Online Visit RecLink by clicking here.
• Mail or Fax Downlaod ticket order form by clicking here.   

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 HERE or contact the Pullen Park Ticket Office at 919-831-6468.

Visit www.TarheelTrains.com!

 

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The North Raleigh Model Railroad Club!

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.

Visit: http://www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/index.html 

Visit www.TarheelTrains.com!

 

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New Hope Valley Railway – Halloween Express!!!

Trains run Saturday Oct. 24 departing at 4:00PM, 5:15PM, 6:30PM, and 7:45PM with each ride taking about an hour.
Advance purchase of tickets is required.

Also – Fall Steam Spectacular!

Come ride behind two steam engines!  Enjoy a train ride behind our own Engine #17 and visiting Flagg Coal #75 through the beautiful New Hope Valley from Bonsal, NC.
 

The New Hope Valley Railroad (NHV) was organized in 1904 by W. Roscoe Bonsal, Samuel O. Bauersfeld, and Henry A. London.  Bonsal and Bauersfeld were originally from Baltimore, but came south to Hamlet, NC in 1895 as civil engineers to work on the railroads then building across the South.  London was from Pittsboro, NC, and among many other achievements in his life, owned or controlled the timber rights in the New Hope River Valley.  Bonsal had been very successful in the railroad business, and by 1898, was a vice president of the Seaboard System with an almost exclusive contract to supply ties for the expansion of that railroad.

 

For more information, please visit: http://www.nhvry.org 

 

Visit www.TarheelTrains.com!

 

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Two Big Railroad Festivals in NC!

Two of the largest railroad festivals in NC are this weekend and next weekend.

 First, the establishment known as Tweetsie Railroad will host its annual Railfan Weekend this Saturday/Sunday, September 12th & 13th. Tweetsie breaks out #12 (Tweetsie) and also 190 (Yukon Queen) for a double-barrelled shotgun full of fun on their historic steam locomotives. For more, visit: www.Tweetsie.com!

And if that’s not enough…Great Smoky Mountains Railroad holds its annual Railfest on the following weekend. Friday/Saturday/Sunday, September 18th – 20th will be a three day gathering for railroad enthusiasts and history buffs from around the world provides an opportunity to ride special excursions, see railroad memorabilia and experience music of the rails. For more, visit www.GSMR.com! 

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