When the Strasburg Rail Road was chartered in 1832, no one anticipated the myriad of obstacles the short line would encounter. What began as an afterthought in the early 19th century eventually became one of America's premier steam train excursions and the most visited heritage railroad in the continental United States. By 1957, the declining condition of its rails and the lack of freight and passenger service seemed to mark the end of the railroad, but it was given new life in 1958, and not even the wildest imagination foresaw the remarkable transformation and development this "Methuselah of railroads" would undergo. This book chronicles the unlikely success of America's oldest continuously operating railroad. Explore how and why Strasburg's four-and-a-half-mile line survived, and discover the story behind its ascension to prominence as an iconic, internationally known, small-town steam railroad.

Steam locomotives dominated the railways from the 1820s through the 1960s. Today almost all of them have been replaced with electric and diesel engines, yet the fascination surrounding steam-powered trains has not dwindled. A diverse community of enthusiasts--from mechanics to teachers to lawyers--have taken up the hobby of building and running steam locomotives in their own backyards. Drawing on the author's extensive experience and research, this guide covers the materials, tools, skills and technical information needed to get started or to improve an existing design.

When the Strasburg Rail Road was chartered in 1832, no one anticipated the myriad of obstacles the short line would encounter. What began as an afterthought in the early 19th century eventually became one of America’s premier steam train excursions and the most visited heritage railroad in the continental United States. By 1957, the declining condition of its rails and the lack of freight and passenger service seemed to mark the end of the railroad, but it was given new life in 1958, and not even the wildest imagination foresaw the remarkable transformation and development this “Methuselah of railroads” would undergo. This book chronicles the unlikely success of America’s oldest continuously operating railroad. Explore how and why Strasburg’s four-and-a-half-mile line survived, and discover the story behind its ascension to prominence as an iconic, internationally known, small-town steam railroad.

Cody rides the Strasburg Rail Road in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It turns out to be a very fun and exciting experience. After he buys a ticket he rides the number 68 Hello Dolly Car to Paradise, Pennsylvania! On, the ride, Cody sees a turkey farm, pumpkin patch, caboose, farm animals, tractor, and other local attractions. After the train ride he picks out a toy train in the gift shop.