Steamtown

[g-pa1]

Dot, or anyone who has been there, can you tell me how long the steam train rides are and do they run rain or shine? I've booked the Radisson Lackawanna Station for a date in July. I know there are excursions but I am interested in just the every Weds thru Sun trips. We are taking the two oldest grandsons to WolfLodge indoor waterpark first then driving back to Steamtown. My wife isn't wild about steamtown but I told her she will like the accommodations. Gene

[ginzokid]

Gene, this link should help you with all your questions, just a Google search away.... http://www.nps.gov/stea/ CF

[g-pa1]

Thanks Pete, I've been to the site but when I clicked on the train schedule it was a little unclear as to what the approx. 30 minute ride included. I guess I am wondering why on some Thursdays and Fridays there is no steam train offered in May when the steam train rides are only Thurs - Sun. I won't be able to see a July schedule until the last of June. Also I was wondering if the ride out is an around the track ride or will some/most of the time be waiting for the loco to turn around to the other end to bring the train back. I want the grandkids to experience the steam era sights and sounds and emotion of the ride. Gene

[70novahound]

Here's a link for the steam fans. http://prrsteam.pennsyrr.com/ CJ]:)

[crazyd37]

From what I read on the Steamtown site there is a Moscow trip on July 1st. see & print for reference when you go: http://www.nps.gov/stea/fees.htm additional fees are: MOSCOW Adults (ages 17-61) $21 Seniors (ages 62 and older) $19 Children (ages 6-16) $15 Children (ages 5 and younger) FREE (ticket required) First Class $36 There is so much to see and do there that you shouldn't be disappointed. I have been there many times and never tire of it. I stayed at the hotel that you are staying in once with an old friend and we had a ball. We got a "special tour" of some of the secrets of the place too. (safe room, etc) Just the building is enough to impress any traveler. We go there for lunch or dinner whenever we go out there. Trains go by all the time too! The train museum, Steamtown, is remarkable. Indoor and outdoor things to do. They even have a small, but well stocked little souvenir store. Lots of books too! (if your wife is bored with trains the mall is right across the walkway at Steamtown!!)(also a good place to have lunch as there is a food court and when they do another train ride the kids can go watch from the walkway)(I love the view of it up there!!)(great photo opts!) I think there is/was a Lionel place in town somewhere too. The whole area is full of older trestles, bridges, and whatever train related stuff you are interested in. It's like a step back in time but with many modern conveniences too. Hope this helps. Just go and enjoy. Ask any questions when you get there, they really know what they are talking about and do LOVE to chat to train-people! I have never had a bad visit. Even in the rain!!! Dot

[g-pa1]

Thanks Dot.

[g-pa1]

Dot, I just went to the Steamtown site and noticed that there are no steam train rides in June. I called and they said that they had some steamer trouble two weeks ago and don't know how long it wil be out of service. I guess the are using the GP9 for their short trips. Bummer I wanted the steam train for the Grandkids to experience. I am hoping that they do get it fixed by the middle of July. Does anyone else know of a steam train operating in a 2-300 mile radius of Syracuse NY? The old Attica and Arcade isn't using their steamer either something about clean air act! Gene

[crazyd37]

Gene, I did a quick search for you: http://www.pioneertunnel.com/trainride.html http://www.railsusa.com/links/Tourist_Railroads/ http://www.nyswths.org/ http://www.newhoperailroad.com/ I'm sure there are loads more, just google or ask.com and you will find them!!! Good luck and let us know where you go! Dot

[ginzokid]

We tried before to get a group "get together" going to no avail. Would any of you be interested in a Steamtown meet, next summer? To late for this year, but maybe, just maybe we could do it next year with a whole year to plan the dates etc. For this I would come. I'm afraid that Kimmers could not do it, but I would surely like to try. I might even fly and you all know I don't fly; not since 1985 have I been in an airplane, but I'm willing to try if we could get enough people together. Think about it. This would be the perfect place for all of us train nuts. I believe is it pretty well central to the eastern folks. Us far east and far west folks would have to make the sacrifice of a longer trip. Well, mull it over in your minds. Not this year, but next. Who knows, maybe by next year Ms Kimmers could make it too. B-) & :x

[g-pa1]

Dot thanks for the links. I have been on the adirondack trip -very boring 15 minutes one way and then back up 15 minutes. You can also canoue one way and ride back the other. Also been on the Washigton Mountain Cog and it tok two and one half hours to get to the top. Interesting tho to go on a cog rail train. That New Hope and Ivyland railroad sounds great but just a little too far south. Yeah the steamtown train meet sounds dooable next summer Just can never plan that far in advance. Gene

[spottzz]

I would. Where is Steamtown? Bill

[70novahound]

I would be there if I had to crawl! I am saving my pennies now! Get your ticket early Dad! CJ]:)

[beastranger]

I'm there!! Been close to it enough times in the last month. Punk

[crazyd37]

Steamtown is in Scranton Pennsylvania. North eastern PA to be exact. I WILL come!!! That is one of my favorite train trips! Dot

[flaretired]

I would love to come also. Two day trip for me but will turn it into a nice vacation. Maybe by the time we get it organized the steamer will be running. Funny thing their web site shows three steam engines. Speaking of train rides closer to my area I am planing a trip to the Smoky Mountain RR. It has a two day package out and back. It is located in North Carolina just east of Asheville. Wow is me their steam engine is down for maintanice also. I am also looking at a trip out of eastern Tennessee which has a dinner and murder mystery package. 120 mile round trip. Chuck 🙂