It’s More Than A Train Ride
2005 Media Release
Strasburg Rail Road

Strasburg, Pa. - (March 2005) – If you listen closely – you can hear it. Look clear across the countryside and you might even see it. That distinguished whistle and billow of black smoke can only be one thing – The Strasburg Rail Road - one of Lancaster County’s most visited tourist attractions.

Your journey begins on the platform of the East Strasburg Station – where you’ll quickly realize the Strasburg Rail Road is a whole lot more than just a train ride. With every turn – you step back in time – to experience Lancaster County as it always was.

In step with the conductor’s call for all aboard, you take your seat. A wave from the platform; a hiss from the vintage steam engine and your journey through the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country is about to begin. As the train chugs down the track past real working farms, a voice from above shares the history of the railroad and of the Amish who call this land home.

How you ride is up to you, choose Coach, First Class, or live it up in luxury aboard the Deluxe Lounge Car or elegant Dining Car. Stay on board for the entire trip, or take a break mid-way to picnic along the tracks at Groff’s Grove. Ride “open-air” and soak in all the wonders of Amish Country. Want to flex your muscle? Jump on board the authentic pump car where your power pushes you down the track and back.

2005 brings a new attraction for our pint-sized passengers – Hodges Hand Cars. Start your engine and watch your Hand Car go. The six hand-propelled cars, which date back to the 1930’s, allow little ones to take control as they crank their way around a track.

Need a break? The adorable miniature steam train, The Cagney, is the ticket. Built in the 1900’s by the Cagney Brothers Miniature Railroad Company, the steam engine is a fraction of the size of a traditional locomotive. The company produced this tiny train for use at amusement parks, fairs, carnivals and public expositions. While a number of Cagney locomotives remain in operation, Strasburg Rail Road is one of just a few places where one can ride behind a Cagney in daily operation.

From our circa 1915 East Strasburg Station to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania across the road, you’ll find more trains - and more train folk to talk to - than you could imagine. Tour our Mechanical Shop, President’s Car and Switch Tower. In spring and fall, the rare LO&S Railcar comes to town. One thing is for sure - no matter where you spend your time – the fun will continue until you run out of steam.

Still have some energy left? Great! Because the fun and intrigue of the rails stretch beyond our station - with stops and shops for every taste. Then take a relaxing stroll along the quaint streets of Strasburg - an 18th century Lancaster County town filled with historic charm, waiting for you to explore. Ride the train, and then check out:
NEW FOR 2005! HODGES HAND CARS: Perfect for our pint-sized passengers. Hand-propelled cars allow little ones to take control as they crank their way around a track.

THE CAGNEY: Don’t miss the cutest train to chug the tracks in Strasburg! This authentic steam train, built for an amusement park around 1920, is the perfect size to delight even the smallest passengers.

PUMP CAR: How much steam do you have? Ride with an attendant along a short track. We provide the pump – you provide the power!

PRESIDENT’S CAR: Take a self-guided tour of the luxurious “mansion on wheels.” The restored private car was used for railroad tycoons and dignitaries.

NOON SHOP TOUR: Take a behind-the-scenes guided tour through the mechanical shop where we actually build and refurbish trains from across the nation.

SWITCH TOWER TOUR: Get a bird’s eye view of our magnificent countryside and approaching trains. Built in 1855, this is a classic example of Pennsylvania Railroad signal tower design.

RAILROAD MUSEUM OF PENNSYLVANIA: (Administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. For more information, visit www.rrmuseumpa.org) Adults (18-59): $7.00; Adults (60 and over): $6.00; Children (6-17): $5.00; Children (under 6): Free.

Special Events at the Strasburg Rail Road: (We strongly suggest you pre-purchase tickets online.)
Easter Bunny Train – March 25th, 26th & 27th
Join the fun as the Easter Bunny hops aboard to welcome spring to Lancaster County! Chug down the tracks on a vintage steam train with Peter Cottontail– right through the backyards of the Amish and some of the most beautiful farmland in the world.

Day Out with Thomas™ – June 11th – 19th, September 17th – 25th , December 2nd, 3rd & 4th
Join Thomas the Tank Engine™, a full-sized operating steam locomotive, as he greets friends of all ages. Ride a train pulled by Thomas and meet Sir Topham Hatt™. You’ll find lots of other exciting activities and a complete selection of Thomas & Friends™ merchandise in our gift shop. Order tickets by visiting www.strasburgrailroad.com or by calling 1-866-468-7630.

Trains & Troops Weekend – November 5th & 6th
Ride a special train with re-enactors from all eras of our military in conjunction with the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania’s Veterans Day celebration.

Santa’s Paradise Express – December 10th, 11th, 15th – 18th
Celebrate the season with a holiday tradition at the Strasburg Rail Road. Travel down the tracks with Santa on passenger cars warmed by potbelly stoves. Sing Christmas carols as musicians stroll from car to car.

Create Your Own Adventure – Strasburg Rail Road offers a selection of passes to make your visit even more enjoyable.
The Rail Baron Pass: Available April 3rd – October 31st; (Only 25 passes are available per day.)
For a total railroad experience, this one-day pass includes:
* One ride aboard First Class Parlor Car Marian
* Unlimited rides aboard any other car (food extra on Dining Car)
*Admission to Noon Shop Tour (Must be 6 years of age or older)
* Unlimited rides aboard Cagney Train, Pump Car and Hand Cars*
* Unlimited access to President’s Car, Switch Tower & freight equipment display *
* Admission to Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
*For days when these activities are not open, pass includes unlimited rides aboard ALL car options.

The All Day Pass – Available All Days:
The most economical way to spend the entire day – this one-day pass includes:
* Unlimited rides aboard Coach Car (you may upgrade car by paying difference)
* Unlimited rides aboard LO&S Car – when railroad substitutes for steam train
* Unlimited rides aboard Cagney Train, Pump Car and Hand Cars
* Unlimited access to President’s Car, Switch Tower & freight equipment display*
* These activities are not open every day.

The Wonder Rail Pass – Available May 1st - October 2nd:
Combine our All Day Pass with a second day of fun – general admission to nearby Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park (open daily May 31st - September 6th). Visit www.dutchwonderland.com for more information. This two-day pass includes:
* Unlimited rides aboard Coach Car (you may upgrade car by paying difference)
* Unlimited rides aboard LO&S Car – when railroad substitutes for steam train
* Unlimited rides aboard Cagney Train, Pump Car and Hand Cars
* Unlimited access to President’s Car, Switch Tower & freight equipment display
* General admission to Dutch Wonderland and Discover Lancaster County History Museum

The Railroad Farm Fun Pass – Available July 3rd – October 30th:
Enjoy a day at Strasburg Rail Road and neighboring Amazing Maize Maze. Visit www.cherrycrestfarm.com for more information. This one-day pass includes:
* One ride aboard Coach Car (you may upgrade car by paying difference)
* Unlimited rides aboard Cagney Train, Pump Car and Hand Cars
* Unlimited access to President’s Car, Switch Tower & freight equipment display
* Admission to Amazing Maize Maze (train takes you to the maze)
*Maze is closed Sundays, Mondays and rainy days.

Make tracks to the Strasburg Rail Road.
Strasburg Rail Road, Route 741, east of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. For more information about schedules, rates and special events visit the web at www.strasburgrailroad.com or call 717-687-7522.

Other important numbers:
Groups & Students: 717-687-8421
Shops: 877-475-8990
Dining Car Reservations: 717-687-6486
Media Contact: Hope Banner @ Scheffey Advertising (717)-569-8274, hbanner@scheffey.com