Posted on October 3, 2018
Hamburg, New York – During the month of October, the Buffalo, Cattaraugus & Jamestown Scenic Railway will offer a series of fall foliage and Halloween themed train excursions behind a vintage 1920s era steam locomotive. Trains are scheduled to operate out of the Village of Hamburg’s historic Erie Railroad Depot (4 Scott Street) on October 13th, 14th, 27th and 28th.
On October 13th and 14th, Fall Foliage trips will depart Hamburg at 10:00a, 12:30p and 3:00p for a round trip to the picturesque Eden Valley. These rides are 1-1.5 hours in duration and will travel a distance of six miles. Tickets are: Adult (12+) $18.00; Children (2-11) $15.00; Child on lap Free (Under 2).
Steam Halloween train rides will take place on October 27th and 28th at 10a and 2p. Each trip is 2.5-3 hours long and will proceed to Zittels Farm in Hamburg where there will be Halloween entertainment and pumpkins for children. Tickets are: Adult (12+) $20.00; Children (2-11) $15.00; Child on lap Free (Under 2).
All trips will be pulled by steam locomotive Viscose Company #6. The engine was originally constructed by the Baldwin Locomotive Works for the American Viscose Company of Roanoke, Virginia in 1925. In the early 1960’s the engine was sold for scrap to the Gem City Iron & Metal Company of Pulaski, Virginia. In 2004, #6 was purchased by Scott Symans of Dunkirk, New York who restored the locomotive to operating condition. Trips on the Buffalo, Cattaraugus & Jamestown Scenic Railway will be the only steam powered train excursions operating in Western New York this fall.
Passengers will travel in vintage railroad equipment that includes two late 1920s era passenger cars that once shuttled commuters in New York City on the Long Island Railroad. The trip will also feature an open air car for those who want to photograph the sights along the way as well as a snack bar car which will offer light refreshments for purchase. (Due to the vintage nature of the steam locomotive, the railroad reserves the right to substitute motive power without notice.)
The trips are being conducted by the Buffalo, Cattaraugus & Jamestown Scenic Railway Company, Inc. The BC&J was founded in 2011 is chartered as a New York State 501c3 not-for-profit corporation. The BC&J’s mission is focused on developing and operating educational steam and diesel-electric passenger train excursions in the Buffalo-Jamestown corridor as a way of promoting Western New York’s industrial, transportation and agrarian heritage. The railroad right-of-way is owned by Erie County and leased to the Erie County Industrial Development Agency who manages the property. Buffalo Southern Railroad, a locally owned Class III Common Carrier shortline railroad, operates the line.
Tickets for these rare-steam powered train trips may be purchase online and before departure date at www.bcjrailroad.com. Tickets may also be purchased at Artcraft Toy Trains located inside the Hamburg Railroad Depot at 4 Scott Street Depot during business hours or on the day of departure based on availability. Passengers are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time for parking and boarding.
