Strasburg Railroad was founded in 1832 and served through World Wars I and II. By 1958, victim of diminishing freight revenues and a series of destructive storms, the railroad had descended into inoperability and a petition had been filed for abandonment. A group of rail enthusiasts/investors purchased the line and over the years the tourist operation has grown from one gasoline locomotive and passenger car to the wonderful collection of restored historic rolling stock and thriving operation it is today.
At each end of the trip between Strasburg and Paradise the locomotive runs around the train. The locomotive is always on the leading end of the train, although when running from Strasburg to Paradise the locomotive is backing up.
It's time to take a ride.
Paradise, Pennsylvania. In the words of the conductor, "Take a good look, folks. This may be as close as some of you get to Paradise."
Waiting at Groff's Grove to meet the opposing train.
This is another one of those posts where I'm really scratching my head while looking at the photos. "The doesn't look like Strasburg, France at all! What's with the US flags?" Finally I reach the end of the post. "Ohhhh, there's a Strasburg, Pennsylvania, too." Am I the only one that does that a lot on these forums?
Awesome, this is where I took my Photo Contest "History" photo.
Did you get a chance to check out the RR museum across the street?
Wow! Excellent photo, and the sepia tone makes it look like an authentic old-time image.
Yep, I dragged my weary butt across the road and got re-energized by all the goodies there. It had been more than 15 years since my last visit, and I was amazed by how much the place has grown and spruced up.
-- “We heal each other with kindness, gentleness and respect.” -- Richard Wagamese
-- “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It's not.” -- Dr. Seuss