Special activities include steam-powered excursion train rides behind Sierra No. 3 and caboose No. 7, historic locomotives on display, behind-the-scenes shop tours and more!
JAMESTOWN, Calif. – On Saturday, May 11, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park (SHP) will proudly participate in the sixth annual National Train Day, an event designed to celebrate American railroading, trains and train travel in cities all across the country. Coordinated in conjunction with California State Parks and Amtrak®, the event offers a variety of special activities at Railtown 1897 SHP that remains as the only intact steam-era roundhouse and shop facility in California, and one of just two in the U.S.
On National Train Day, visitors to Railtown 1897 SHP will enjoy steam-powered excursion train rides behind the “Movie Star Locomotive” Sierra No. 3 and aboard the famous Caboose No. 7, and behind-the-scenes tours of the historic Roundhouse and Shops. A number of historic locomotives, equipment and vehicles will also be on special display this one-day-only, including the No. 28 & 2 locomotives, historic track maintenance vehicles such as the 1920s Ford Model T custom-adapted for use on the Railroad, and the Hetch-Hetchy 19 car, custom built for use in the construction of the Hetch Hetchy Dam (which will be operational and available for rides). To the delight of Park visitors, the historic belt-driven machine shop will also be up and running on National Train Day so guests can see it in action and understand that on a shortline, much of the work was done “in house” at the shops (with exception of major engine rebuilds).
Except for ste am-powered excursion train rides, all National Train Day activities are free to the public with paid Park admission. Railtown 1897 SHP admission costs are as follows: $5 for adults, $3 for youths ages 6-17 and free for children five and under. All train ride tickets are available for advance purchase at www.railtown1897.org as well as at the ticket window beginning at 10 a.m. the day of the train ride (based on availability). Capacity is limited for tickets for the steam-powered excursion train rides so visitors are encouraged to arrive early. Excursion train rides are available hourly from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and tickets aboard “Movie Train Consist” (enclosed suburban car and caboose)” are $15 for adults, $8 for youths ages 6-17 and kids five and under are free. More information about Railtown 1897 SHP is available online or by calling 209-984-3953. More information about National Train Day is available by visiting www.nationaldaytrain.com.
