The Strasburg Railroad: The Steam Train to Paradise

For sixty years, the Strasburg Rail Road has been offering rides behind steam locomotives in the Dutch Country of Pennsylvania between Strasburg and Paradise. This program looks at the history of one of the oldest heritage railroads in the U.S.

Our show begins with a brief history of the railroad, which began offering steam powered rides in 1960.

In 1989, former Pennsylvania Railroad locomotives #1223 and #7002 were both retired due to firebox issues. This left locomotives 31, 89 and 90 on the active roster, and the railroad looking for additional power. They found what they were looking for in the form of former Norfolk & Western 4-8-0 #475.

Our program covers the period after the Pennsy locomotives were retired. #89 is seen at multiple points in her career through the present day, as is #90. #475 is first seen in the shop during her restoration to service, and is seen at various points between the mid-90’s and the present day. All three locomotives are seen in various paint schemes over the years, and sporting some cosmetic modifications as well.

In addition to lineside runbys, we take a look around the engine terminal and in the locomotive shop. We ride both passenger and freight trains, and take a ride in the cab of #475. We also get an extensive look at the largest ever locomotive to operate on the Strasburg, as Norfolk & Western 4-8-4 #611 visited in 2019.

It’s a look at nearly sixty years of operations on the Strasburg Railroad, the steam train to Paradise.