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

[cs-chaplain]

Hi Gene, Here is a link for an interesting live steam railroad http:www.ebtrr.com (Sorry, can't get it to highlight) computer acts weird sometimes. The East Broad Top R. R. is an original ore hauling, and mixed train railroad, chartered in 1856, just 22 years after the Strasburg R. R. It's a Narrow Gauge line, with passenger cars and 4 of the original steam locomotives from the turn of the last century. Located in rural West-Central, PA. Just a little Southwest of State College, PA. All of the original structures are in existence, and the shops are still operational, with living history tours. There is a Trolley Museum, with an operating line, next to the railroad, so you get two for one. Check it out when you get a minute, Chappy

[g-pa1]

Chappy, Thanks for the info on the East Broad Top R.R. It really looks great. I see it only operates on the weekend and we will be in Pa midweek in July. Looks as though Steamtown is out though as I want to get the grand kids on a steamer. Oh well maybe in the future. Gene

[70novahound]

http://www.ebtrr.com/ There you go Chappy. CJ]:)

[cs-chaplain]

Thanks CJ, its easier with the link highlighted. :) Maybe I should post in the "Computer Problem" discussion, sometimes the highlight works, sometimes not. BTW; I'm onboard for the Steamtown meet! Its only a little over 2 hours for me. Steamtown has a very restorable "Reading Railroad Co. T1, 4-8-4 locomotive, number 2124, on static display at present. There are a whole lot of Reading and Pennsylvania railfans that would like to see that loco restored to running condition. I have a negative of a professional photo taken of 2124, in Reading, on November 1, 1959, under steam. I'll post it for the group. It may have been published before, as it is a professional B&W photo, but I now have the only negative. I'll post it in my album. May all your dreams be steamy, Chappy

[crazyd37]

Gene, Where did you decide to go??????? Dot

[g-pa1]

Hi Dot, My better half who by the way isn't wild about trains stated that unless it was steam then there is no reason to go to Steamtown. I want the grandkids to experience riding a steam loco also so I have to agree with the wife. We are going to go to the indoor water park but I am not sure what we will do from there. My wife want to go on a trip with just the two of us soon probably to Maine. We'll see. I know there is a coal mine tour near Scranton but I have a thing about closed in spaces I think it is called HELPLETMEOUTTAHERENOW Phobia or something like that. Gene

[ginzokid]

Gene, Try this link. http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/ PA railroad museum and steam trains. B-) & :x

[untabubba]

I know I've said this before. I live twenty minutes from Strasburg! There's TONS of stuff there. The museum, the live railroad (to ride...and dine on!), TWO model railroad shops, TWO "gift" shops, a railroad bookstore, and The Choo-Choo Barn, which is an ENORMOUS running layout. http://www.choochoobarn.com/index2.html Really more stuff than you can do in one day..... Wanna stay at my house? Marc

[g-pa1]

Pete and Marc, Thanks for your direction and invitation but Lancaster is still too far South. I am looking now to maybe spend a day going back to Scranton and in that area before heading home. Ideally Steamtown would have the Steamer working by then. Failing that, we probably will go back up Rte 81 and stop in Binghamton or Cortland depending on the weather. Pa. Sure does seem to have a lot of still operating steam trains. That Strasburg RR and the Choo Choo Barn sure look interesting. Especially that hobby shop Marc!! Gene

[crazyd37]

Marc, Ed has been talking about a trip to Strasburg this summer if we can fit it in. Seems like everytime the phone rings something else gets in the way. We were even thinking of staying in one of the cabooses for the fun of it. Have you ever looked in one? If so, how bad are they? Dot

[untabubba]

Dot, I have NO IDEA what you're referencing! ?:| There are caboose "motels" there TOO?!? :O Give me some time, but I will deaf-in-Italy check that out for you! I have all next week off....before summer school starts. I'll try to find time to cruise up and scope it out. Marc 😄

[untabubba]

Gene, The hobby shop is VERY well stocked, but a tad pricey. (Gouging the touristas you know!) They have a very impressive array of "N" stuff, compared to the other LHSs in the area. I'm embarrassed to say I have NOT actually been IN the Choo-Choo barn yet, but THAT will be remedied very soon! We're also going to ride the train one of these days. Denise thinks it would be "romantic" to do the dinner run. (Hmmmm, maybe I'll "get lucky"! ]:) ) Marc

[ginzokid]

Gene, Have you googled tourist trains in your area? I'll bet there are some we are not aware of yet. Not knowing exactly where to look, I will not even try to do it for you. You are the better judge of just how far you are willing to travel. MR puts out a "Tourist Railroad Guide" each year. Look into that also. I know Kim and I thoroughly enjoyed our rides on the D&RGW Silverton in Colorado a couple of times. You have to do it, take a steam ride that is. Marc, Careful or the parrot might get jealous! ;) B-) & :x

[g-pa1]

Pete, The only steamer in NYS at the Arcade and Attica RR http://www.anarr.com/ is not being run due to not meeting federal regulations. I have ridden it many years ago. Yes I have been on several steamers in various places but the grandkids haven't and it is a thrilling experience that eventually maybe when they are a little older I will take them to. Last year we took the two oldest to Old forge Water Safari and stayed overnight. Their parents go camping overnight but it's not the same. This year I wanted to go for two nights and thought that the second night at Steamtown would have been perfect. Who knows they may get the steamer fixed yet. When I called they could only say they didn't know when but I note on the web site that they are stating that their diesel will be doing the short excursions for this summer. Bummer! Scranton is only about 3 hours away. Gene

[70novahound]

Gene, Do you live near Syracuse? CJ]:)