Thomas The Tank Engine Chugs into Lancaster County, PA
By Erica Lamberg
The Courier News

New Jersey - The classic storybook friend, Thomas the Tank Engine, steams into Lancaster County, Pa., for a fun-filled visit from June 12 through June 20th at the Strasburg Railroad in Strasburg. This “Day Out With Thomas” event offers children and grown-ups the opportunity to take a 22-minute train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine.

In addition to the ride, the experience includes an opportunity to meet Thomas’s friend, Sir Topham Hatt, and visit the fun tent nearby, with activities including Thomas-book storytelling and video viewing, arts and crafts and live music. Tickets for guests one-year-old and older are $14 per ticket, which includes the train ride and all other activities. And, there’s even a retail store that specializes in all types of Thomas the Tank Engine merchandise for a perfect souvenir from the memorable experience.

The Mandelbaum family of Warren has already purchased their tickets, and sons Craig, 5, and Matthew, 3, are counting the days to the fun outing later this month. “They are really looking forward to it, and I think they will really enjoy the whole experience,” said Jacqui Mandelbaum, mother of the two boys. “This is the first time we are going and we are planning to spend a few days in the area, taking in more of Lancaster County.”

Beginning on June 12th, the train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine will depart every half hour, rain or shine, between 9:00 am through 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, (first train runs at 9:15 a.m.) and 9:30 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. on Sunday through Friday (first train runs at 9:45 a.m.)
“This is a very popular attraction for us, and it draws a lot of people from all over New Jersey,” said Ann Musser, ticket sales coordinator with the Strasburg Railroad. “Even though Thomas isn’t on television anymore, he lives on in videos and books and he continues to have strong appeal for people of all ages.”

The Thomas Ride is taking place at The Strasburg Railroad, a vintage steam train that takes guests to the land of the Amish through acres of beautiful farmland. Between the circa 1915 East Strasburg Station and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania just across the road, there are more trains — and train folk — than you can imagine, with trackside eateries and shops filled with keepsakes.

What: “Day Out With Thomas” event featuring Thomas the Tank Engine, a full-size operating steam locomotive ride. Other activities include photo opportunities with Thomas and other characters, activity tent and live music.

When: June 12 through June 20, various times

Where: Strasburg Rail Road, Route 741 East, Strasburg, PA

Cost: Tickets are $14 for guests one and up.

For more information: Call (717) 687-7522, or visit www.StrasburgRailroad.com.