Stewartstown Railroad

Have you ever ridden in a train engine? Chuck (DaViking) and I were able to experience two authentic engine excursions. One was in the October evening followed by another ride after the sun set. Costumed characters and guests boarded the Stewartstown Railroad’s open car and caboose for a four mile journey. (two miles up the track and two miles back) Keep in mind it costs one million dollars per mile of track and Stewartstown Railroad is run solely by a core of 15-20 dedicated volunteers. It’s believed to be the only United States railroad still running under it’s original charter which began in 1884. One can still purchase stock in the Stewartstown Railroad Charter!

*With my newly purchased engineer hat I was positively giddy to ride in the locomotive!*

Dee

A week before our trip we’d messaged the Stewartstown Railroad and arranged a phone interview with Dee.

As one of 12 directors Dee gave us insight into the history of this 1884 charter which had been started by farmers to haul their crops more efficiently. Several farmers over the seven mile stretch had willingly sacrificed some of their own land to make way for the railroad. “There’s the original stock book and handwritten agreements found in the safe.” Dee had shared.

“We have Junior Stockholders, too.” Dee’s voice became energized. “Starting at age 14, kids can help hand tools to workers, be docents on the trains and stop cars with flags at the crossings. It shapes lives!” As a teacher this tugged at my heart. Meaningful, purposeful work does shape lives. “A perfect example is Vincent.” Dee continued. “He had started out as a Junior Stockholder and now he’s the Assistant Station Master.”

After talking with Dee, the nine and a half hour drive to Pennsylvania no longer felt daunting. I was looking forward to riding in the engine of the train and meeting the people who have kept this rail line alive!

Picking Up Our Tickets

When we entered the train station to pick up our tickets, we were greeted by the cackle of this witch. Naturally, I cackled back. (I had played the Wicked Witch of the West in community theater productions.) The people in line stiffened and side eyed the two of us. Some giggled nervously. It was charismatic to be adding to the eerie Halloween presence in the old time station!

*Kathy cackled a welcome to patrons at the Stewartstown station setting the tone for the Halloween train ride.*

Vincent

The ticket master was dressed for the part. He retrieved our previously purchased tickets and stamped them appropriately. We introduced ourselves and asked permission to write a story and film video. That’s when we learned that this young adult was Vincent. “So you’re the famous Vincent!” I chattered. He drew his brows together. So I explained, “We talked with Dee on the phone and she was singing your praises!”

Vincent was a gentleman in every sense. It was an honor to meet him and to know how the Stewartstown Railroad volunteers had played an integral role during his formative years.

Jim

With our tickets in hand we made our way alongside the train. A gray-haired man was kneeling and pulling the starter on a generator. We stepped aside to give him room. He was clearly invested in starting the motor. He moved with purpose and a youthful bounce. It took several pulls and adjustments before it was running smoothly. He tucked the power source into a compartment under the train. It was plugged into the strings of lights decorating the open Halloween car.

I looked up and noticed several frightening costumed individuals posed about the platform as we made our way down the planked walkway toward the engine.

*Costumed characters added an element of Halloween!*

“All Aboard!” the gray-haired, yet spritely man had called out and he climbed up into the engine. With his walkie-talkie he directed the crew as customers loaded into the cars. “Come on up!” He called down to us. We mounted the slick metal ladder at the nose of the engine. “Hey, I’m Jim and this is Jen.” DaViking and I attempted to stay clear of their pre-journey checklist, but the cab area was small for the four of us.

*“I saw what needed to be done and I started doing it.” Jim, who has volunteered for ten years, said*
*as he pulled the whistle when we neared a crossing.*
*(Forward: 2 blasts / Backwards: 3 blasts / Stop: 1 blast*)

Then two workers dressed in bright vests joined us. “They’ll just be on for the first two crossings, then they’ll get off.” Jim explained as he saw me shuffle behind the chair trying to make room for our new riders.

*These men rode on the walkway and jumped off at the crossing. They used orange flags to stop the traffic.*
*You can see the gentleman in the front is plugging his ears as the whistle blew.*

Jim has had an extensive career in the train industry after starting as an auto service manager. We met his son, Louie, who was volunteering, too. Louie has his dad’s no-nonsense, get-it-done charm. I am sure Jim’s other two sons hold the same work ethic.

Jen

Jen stepped up and took over the engineer’s seat with a natural confidence. “I’ve been around trains all my life.” Jen is the first female engineer for Stewartstown. She eased the levers as she and Jim joked about their locomotive antics. The two understood the engine and worked well as a team.

*Jen was confident in the engineer’s seat!*

*Jim explained that sand can be released onto a icy rails to give traction.*

We rumbled down the track. It was difficult for me to hear as Jim and Jen explained many aspects of operating the train. Realizing that I wasn’t in charge, I sat back and enjoyed my “Polar Express” moments while not fully comprehending ALL that needs to be done to drive a train. Jen shared the requirements for earning a license to engineer a train. Boy, there’s so much to learn!

The Iron Bridge

Earlier in the day DaViking and I investigated the Stewartstown line. We drove and hiked along the tracks. This iron bridge was captivating!

*In 1869 this bridge had been built, which was fifteen years before the railroad line*.

As we neared the iron bridge, DaViking positioned his cameras to take unique footage. In DaViking’s usual form, he was immediately comfortable in this vehicle. He confidently walked out onto the sideboard along the engine.

The Captivating Clown

*I glanced behind me and shared a creepy glare with this clown. He didn’t look away! (Shudder!)*

“Who’s playing the clown?” I asked Jim as I stared back at the masked face, not daring to take my eyes off the creature for fear that he’d suddenly jump towards me. “He’s really good!” I commented weakly while still staring. “Oh, that’s Ryan.” Jim answered as Jen opened a hissing steam valve. The clown turned back toward the passengers releasing me from his trance. “Whew!” I hadn’t realized I’d been holding my breath. “Let Ryan know he is masterful at his part.”

Stewartstown Railroad Company

It was amazing to capture a behind the curtain look at Stewartstown Railroad Company and the volunteers who have kept this charter alive since 1884!

*Riding in the engine of the train was a thrill I will always remember!*

There are other themed rides which include the upcoming Santa Express Train and Cowboy Capers. Please visit the link below to secure your tickets and make donations to this fine organization! You may join their Facebook pages, too, at Stewartstown Railroad Company and Friends of the Stewartstown Railroad.