National Museum of Industrial History presents rail excursion

The National Museum of Industrial History is partnering with the Reading & Northern Railroad to host a special train ride July 29. The day-long trip will depart 9 a.m. at Outer Station in Reading with guests riding aboard a pair of open window Budd RDCs (self-propelled Rail Diesel Cars). The train will have three scheduled stops Tremont, Minersville, and Port Clinton. In addition to photo run-bys in the median of Cres Street, the Anthracite Mine Rescue Station will host tours of their facility and rescue truck. Visitors will learn how skilled personnel prepare for underground coal mine rescues and witness demonstrations of the gear that helps save lives.

A lunch stop in in Minersville, were guests can bring their lunch or purchase an ethnic buffet style lunch at the train station or a meal at the historic Washington Hotel. Both lunch options are $15 per person. RSVP (online when purchasing your tickets, no later than two weeks ahead of the trip) to enjoy the meal at the train station or hotel.

Another highlight will be a stop at Port Clinton for a tour of the Reading & Northern Railroad steam shop. Attendees will get an up-close look at recently restored steam locomotive 2102. This 4-8-4 type locomotive weighs 441,300 pounds and was built to operate in the anthracite region served by the Reading Company.

All tickets must be purchased in advance on a first come first served basis. Seating is limited. No sales day of the trip. Tickets: $125; $112, members. Information and tickets available at nmih.org.