For steam train buffs

[gardener]

An article in today's Dallas Morning News (11/27/06) notes that The Texas State Railroad running between Rusk and Palestine may take its last trip December 30 if more funding can't be obtained. The state has noted that the train is a consistent money loser and with state dollars, particularly the dwindling funds available for parks and attractions, being so foreseeably tight in the future, they cannot (will not?) address further funding for the railroad. Local E. Texas leaders and several organizations are apparently working on some fundraising ventures but only time will tell if they are successful.
Another state treasure bites the dust...

(note that I have paraphrased the article and while it gives no particular websites pertaining to the train and it's possible demise, there are probably some out there)

[Cope]

Originally Posted by gardener

An article in today's Dallas Morning News (11/27/06) notes that The Texas State Railroad running between Rusk and Palestine may take its last trip December 30 if more funding can't be obtained. The state has noted that the train is a consistent money loser and with state dollars, particularly the dwindling funds available for parks and attractions, being so foreseeably tight in the future, they cannot (will not?) address further funding for the railroad. Local E. Texas leaders and several organizations are apparently working on some fundraising ventures but only time will tell if they are successful.
Another state treasure bites the dust...

(note that I have paraphrased the article and while it gives no particular websites pertaining to the train and it's possible demise, there are probably some out there)

I read on a model rr site that the train is booked solid for the rest of the year. We rode it once, and I had hoped my 6 year old grandson could ride it too.

[Hogleg 44]

Yes I know! It is such a shame. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

[kenw]

name a state park that makes money......

[*Mike*]

Awww man. I really thought that this thread would already have pictures! My son loves trains... good thing I didn't call him as soon as I noticed it. You know how much time I've spent with him staring at Flickr??? He's three by the way...

[kenw]

want trains, Mike? follow the 2nd link in my signature......

[dreemes]

According to this article, things may be looking up.

http://www.tylerpaper.com/site/news....d=226369&rfi=6

[Hogleg 44]

Originally Posted by dreemes

According to this article, things may be looking up.

http://www.tylerpaper.com/site/news....d=226369&rfi=6

This mornings Star Telegram had an article stating that funds were available now to keep it going until fall 2007.

Oh *Mike*...
So you want Train Pictures aye!... Here you go!
http://valentine.phanfare.com/album/6529
http://valentine.phanfare.com/album/9988
http://valentine.phanfare.com/album/43719

[Terrancelee]

I've got to get down there and ride this thing. Keep forgetting about it. For those of you who like steam trains, head to Durango, CO and ride the narrow gauge line up to Silverton. Did that 2 summers ago with my then 11 y/o's. They had a great time and I loved it. I let them choose either open air boxcar, or inside the original seating cars. They chose open air and it was simply fantastic. I've been lot's of places and seen lot's of things, and this is at the top of my list.

[ndsimm]

My son loves trains as well (we have almost every friend of Thomas the Tank Engine). we've been twice and I was hoping we could go again next year......

[Stephen H]

I heard about that from a friend, went down and rode it a while back with my daughter.

[kenw]

not suire i get that 2nd one....

[Stephen H]

When the train was passing over one of the bridges, they were blowing off steam, making a big steam cloud on either side. My daughter spotted a rainbow in the steam so i snapped it in a hurry. I call it a "Trainbow".

[ScottNTexas]

As it stands right now, the Texas State Railroad will close Aug. 31, 2007. There are several groups here in the Rusk area trying to save it. It's a fantastic train, I plan to go out there and ride again before they close it. I have rode 3 times before, once as a kid and then when Bush was Governor and then when Perry road the train. It is tradition for the opening the run season for the governor of Texas to ride the train and open the season.
I work at Texas' Oldest Weekly Newspaper, the Cherokeean Herald (www.thecherokeean.com). We print everything about the railroad. We also have Rusk State Park, (camping facilities) and Jim Hogg park, used to be Jim Hogg State Park. It looks like we may be down to one state park instead of three. So if you want to ride the train before it closes be sure to do it before the end of August. Side note about Jimm Hogg Park. The family grave yard is also at the park and a museum that is a replica of the house he grew up in. Jim Hogg was the first native born Texas Governor and when he was young worked at the Cherokeean Herald, under another name, as a printer's devil. We also have the nation's longest footbridge at Footbridge Park.

And Ken, I like your sig, '5th generation Texian' I am a 6th generation Texian. I saw elsewhere someone signed as a Texan, not a Texian. I hope they know the difference.