Steam Engine On Track at Delaware & Ulster RR June 8-10
Arkville — The rare sights and sounds of a steam engine chugging through the Catskills will return when the Delaware & Ulster Railroad hosts a three-day steam locomotive event from June 8-10.
The steam locomotive ride offers a unique bit of nostalgia that’s a rare experience for passengers. The Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, PA built the steam locomotive coming to Arkville in 1924 for the Viscose Company to work in a textile mill. The locomotive is a “tank” engine from that it carries it water tank over the boiler and it uses coal for fuel.
The Delaware & Ulster Railroad, as the host for this visit, made special arrangements to purchase coal from a mine near Williamsport, PA.
Locomotive History
In the early 1960s the locomotive was sold to the Gem City Iron & Metal Company in Pulaski, VA.
The engine was purchased by Scott Symans of Dunkirk in 2004. During the next three years, it was completely restored to operating condition by Scott Symans.
During the locomotive’s Catskill Mountain visit, a special move will be run on Saturday and Sunday on the 9:30 a.m. trip east from Arkville to the Bushkill Bridge for photographers. Owner Scott Symans hopes many more generations will have the opportunity to learn about and enjoy steam railroading through the operation of his locomotive.
On Friday, June 8, the Delaware & Ulster Railroad will also be offering a Steam / Diesel Explorer Package to allow passenger to ride both our steam and diesel trains that weekend.
Fares for the Steam / Diesel Explorer experience are: adults, $30; senior citizens, $25 and children $20.
Lunch on the Train
On Saturday, June 9, the railroad will be offering on the 11 a.m. Diesel Train the opportunity to have lunch on the train for $48, by contacting the Stationmaster at 845 586-3877 or at stationmaster@durr.org for reservations and details.
For those who can’t make this very special ride back in time (or for those who simply want the experience again), the steam locomotive will return to Arkville on September 29 and 30.
The route
Excursions on the train cover a 12-mile trip from Arkville to Roxbury and back again. The trek is about two hours and the leisurely pace allows interesting views of rural hamlets, farmland and historic sites such as the Hubbell Family Farm in Kelly Corners and the Round Barn in Halcottsville.
Much of the trip parallels one of the country’s finest trout streams, the East Branch of the Delaware River. Breathtaking Catskill Mountains frame the tracks for much of the trip as the train winds through the valley. Passengers have the option of riding in open-air cars or traveling high style in refurbished passenger cars.
The excursion operates primarily on weekends, with other days of operation added during the season. Check durr.org for up-to-date information.
More special events
The D&U also plans a number of special events throughout the season. The current schedule of specials follows, but be sure to check durr.org on a regular basis for added attractions.
The current events calendar includes:
• The Great Train Robbery by The Catskill Mountain Bushwackers on Saturdays, June 16, July 28, Aug. 11 and Sept. 15. Historically accurate desperadoes of the 19th century will stage lighthearted holdups of the D&U.
• The D&U’s popular Twilight on the Rails return on Saturdays, July 7 (6:30 p.m.) and Sept. 1 (6 p.m.). These specially scheduled rides provide an evening of live music aboard the train, featuring one of the region’s top bands, Blues Maneuver. Passengers are invited to bring a picnic and beverages.
• Steam locomotive Sept. 29 and 30.
The Delaware & Ulster Railroad tourist train ride is located at 43510 State Highway 28, Arkville. For more information, please call (800) 225-4132, (845) 586-DURR or visit: durr.org.
The Catskill Revitalization Committee, operator of the D&U, also oversees the Catskill Scenic Trail, a 26-mile hiking/biking trail running from Roxbury to Bloomville on the former rail bed. Visit catskillscenictrail.org for a map and additional information.
