Event Attractions
Train Festival 2011 is scheduled to have at least 8 Steam Locomotives under steam for railroad enthusiasts to ride behind, photograph and enjoy. Below is a current list. We will continue to add attractions. Join our mailing list on the right to get updates as equipment and attractions are added.
Looking for information on Santa Fe #3751? Click Here
Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 Steam Locomotive No. 765 is scheduled to appear and pull excursions during Train Festival 2011. No. 765 will be open for cab tours while on display to talk with the crew and find out what one of these monsters of the rails is like. Bring plenty of film and be ready to take lots of pictures!
Steam Locomotive No. 6988 will be on display and operating excursions during Train Festival 2011. This huge 2-10-2 steam locomotive was brought to the United States from China to run on the Iowa Interstate Railroad with sister locomotive No. 7081. This locomotive was one of the last main line steam locomotives to operate in the world and is now preserved and operating in Iowa and Illinois.
Steam Locomotive No. 7081 will be on display and operating excursions during Train Festival 2011. This huge 2-10-2 steam locomotive was brought to the United States from China to run on the Iowa Interstate Railroad. This locomotive was one of the last main line steam locomotives to operate in the world.
Leviathan 4-4-0 No. 63 will be the newest steam locomotive at the festival, but resemble the oldest. The Leviathan was built from scratch over the past 9 years and is based on an 1860′s design. This locomotive currently resides in West Chicago. The locomotive is complete with gold leaf trim, gloss paint, wood cab and funnel smoke stack. You will want to see the Leviathan under steam – she is beautiful. The Leviathan will be operating on display and be available for cab tours and access to the crew. This is America’s NEWEST operating steam locomotive! [www.leviathan63.com]
The country’s most traveled steam locomotive will be at Train Festival 2011. Flagg Coal Company #75 will be running around the event site under steam for all visitors to view and photograph. This locomotive was restored by father-son combo of John and Barney Gramling and has traveled over 20,000 miles by hi-way. To read more about the history of this locomotive visit them at http://www.haveenginewilltravel.com/flagg-coal-75
America’s newest restored locomotive will be attending Train Festival 2011 under steam. This is the second locomotive restored by the Gramling Locomotive Works and will be one of its first major outings after retoration. To read more about the history of this locomotive and see photos of the restoration visit http://www.haveenginewilltravel.com/restoration-work/lehigh-valley-126
Viscose 0-4-0T No.6 Steam Locomotive is a privately owned steam locomotive from Dunkirk, NY that will be traveling to the festival. The No. 6 has been pain-stakingly restored by its owner with no public funds. The locomotive has been traveling around the country operating on tourist railroads and museums. This coal fired locomotive will be on display for everyone to experience.
Following the introduction of the highly successful “Pioneer Zephyr” in 1934, the first diesel powered streamlined train, the CB&Q took delivery of this train and an identical sister train in 1936 for use in the then highly lucrative and fiercely competitive Chicago-Minneapolis passenger market. They became known as the “Trains of the Gods and Goddesses”, because the cars were named for Greek and Roman deities.
Like the “Pioneer Zephyr” and other early streamlined trains, this train and its sister were complete articulated units which could not be uncoupled except by the repair shops. Unlike the earlier streamliners, however, the locomotives of the 1936 Zephyrs were not integral parts of the trains. This prevented an engine breakdown from requiring an entire train to be removed from service. Articulated trains such as this one fell into disfavor soon after the 1936 Zephyrs were built because of the impossibility of varying train lengths.
The 1936 Zephyrs were replaced on the Twin Cities route by newer streamlined equipment in 1947. This train and its sister both then received the name “Nebraska Zephyr” and were used between Chicago, Omaha and Lincoln. Originally seven cars in length, both trains were reduced to five cars in later years. They were retired in 1968.
The Zephyr will offer a rare excursion on July 24. Go to www.trainfestival2011.com/tickets to order online.
Iowa Interstate No. 513 is a modern GE built 4400 horse power diesel electric locomotive. This locomotive is one of the most powerful locomotives built in the world. Visitors will have the opportunity to get up close and explore a modern locomotive and see one of America’s finest pieces of machinery on display.
Celebration Belle will offer 2 hour sightseeing cruises on the Mississippi River, Dinner Cruises with entertainment, and participate in our Rail/River experience on Sunday July 24. [Celebration Belle]
Amtrak is expected to display several pieces of their world-class railroad equipment.
Admission into the event gives you unlimited rides on one of many different trains. Many different trains will be hauling passengers at one time. Don’t miss taking a ride on one of these 1/8th scale trains. Fun for the whole family!
James Coffey’s Rockin’ Rollin’ Rhythm Train – Sponsored by ADM
Hop on board with award-winning recording artist, James Coffey, of the acclaimed I Love Toy Trains and Lots and Lots of Trains family video series for a high-energy, imaginative and fun-filled musical ride for all ages! James will perform twice daily at 12:00pm and 2:00pm on the Main Stage. www.jamescoffey.com
Everyone loves model trains. Several model train layouts will be on display during the event with hundreds of trains running around. See realistic scenes as new and old model trains run on these tracks.
Modern Woodmen of America is sponsoring the children’s railroad themed play area. The area will include inflatable’s, kid’s hand cars, and make and take railroad projects. There will not be additional charges for activities in the kids area – it’s all included with general admission.
