More treasures that can be found across the pond!
I JUST received issue 315 and enjoyed reading the Over Here, Over There! article by Chris Eden-Green. I have visited many of the facilities he mentioned as part of my research for a book I am writing about America’s top transportation museums.
In my opinion, the two must-see sites are the incredible Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the fabulous Illinois Railway Museum. Each site is well worth a full day’s visit, with many terrific photo opportunities.
I also recommend four additional heritage railways that were not mentioned in the article. Each one offers unique train rides:
■ East Broad Top Railroad, Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania (a three-hour drive west of Philadelphia). The only narrow-gauge railway east of the Mississippi River boasts six steam locomotives and an impressive collection of vintage rolling stock. The steamdriven shop complex features original tools powered by overhead line shafts and belts.
■ Mid-Continent Railway Museum, North Freedom, Wisconsin (a three-hour drive northwest of Chicago). This standard gauge facility features an impressive collection of authentic structures, plus many restored wooden wagons and carriages.
■ Nevada Northern Railway, Ely, Nevada (a four-hour drive north of Las Vegas). This remote location formerly owned by the Kennecott Copper Company features a well-preserved standard gauge yard complex that feels like walking straight into a time machine.
■ White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, Skagway, Alaska. The best way to visit this remote narrow-gauge line made famous by LGB is on a cruise ship. Even if you don’t ride behind a steam locomotive, viewing the breathtaking scenery from a vintage carriage is a memorable experience.
Electric railway fans should also be sure to check out these four gems: Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport, Maine (a two-hour drive north of Boston); Fox River Trolley Museum, South Elgin, Illinois (a one-hour drive west of Chicago); East Troy Railroad Museum, East Troy, Wisconsin (a two-hour drive north of Chicago); and the Western Railway Museum, Suisin City, California (a onehour drive northeast of San Francisco). Austin Weber, Chicago,
USA