After the ECLSTS this weekend, we’ll be headed to Strasgurg to check out the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and the Strasburg Railroad. I bet many of you have been there and might know of other good things (rail or not) to see and do around there. Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
-Kevin.
If the trains are running, just that could turn into an all day affair. But there is a Toy Train Museum about a half mile east on 741. And for the wife, there’s always the outlets on Rt 30…
Just don’t bring Bart with you into the bookstore. Your credit card won’t survive the encounter.
Kevin,
There is an excellent bookstore that is in the Rockvale Outlet mall, now. It used to be at the railroad, but they moved a few years ago. The bookstore is not cheap, but they have a ton of railroad books there, along with a lot of model train stuff. Prices for Aristo were the MSRP from about 5 years ago, so no so bad, now. But not anywhere close to what the ECLSTS should have. I just noticed they do not have a presence at the railroad anymore.
Next weekend is the start of the SRR’s full time season, but trains only run 12, 1 and 2 on both days. Check their website www.strasburgrailroad.com for more info.
Power yesterday was ex N&W 4-8-0 #475. #90 and #89 were both separated from their tenders and blocked in the engine house by Thomas. I expect 475 will still be this weekend. Their diesels were outside and you might find their freight operation interesting. I think they move empties and loads out to the junction on Fridays and Tuesdays. The yard was so full, they had to store a half dozen tank cars down at the picnic grove passing siding.
Dining car was still in the shop, along with the lounge car. Parlor car Marion is in service, but they have a new food vendor, and we haven’t tried them out yet. The new food vendor is the Hershey Farms, so it should be pretty good. If you like beer, there are several area breweries that serve good food, as well. While not train related, the city of Lancaster has several excellent restaurants, too.
I think the Toy Train Museum is either still closed for the season during the Spring ECLSTS or not open on weekends.
I wanted to go the last two years but was out of luck.
Ralph
Ken Brunt said:Closed or not (According to Ralph? ) the Caboose Motel is out there as well.........741 out to Gap is a nice drive(about 20 minutes) with a road side stand or two (Amish/Mennonite canned and baked goodies....mmmmmm) and the NE Corridor does a real nice elevated bend (photo ops) in Gap.
If the trains are running, just that could turn into an all day affair. But there is a Toy Train Museum about a half mile east on 741. And for the wife, there's always the outlets on Rt 30.......;)
I checked the Strasburg RR web page. They are not open this Friday. Open from Saturday through the April every day. BE SURE to purchase a NOON engine shop tour. If you are into steam engines and what makes them run and have not done this before you will be amazed. This is the best shop tour I have ever been on. Strasburg has an excellent shop, so much so that the Union Pacific sends the drivers for their Challenger and Northern to Strausburg when they need to be turned. Your guide will take you pretty much wherever you want to go. Be sure to ask questions! The tour can be a walk through, but if you show interest it will last until you are out of things to ask. If you are a narrow gauge fan, Rio Grande Southern #20 is undergoing a total rebuild, boiler, frame, drivers etc. The entire firebox had to be replaced! She has been there for about 18 months and I am sure has another year to go before emerging in fully restored condition. Please post photos of your tour, that’s right in this era of law suits, you can take photos inside the shop.
Wow! Thanks for all information. Much appreciated. See you in York!
-Kevin.