All aboard! Train rides are back in Bellefonte after decade-long rail car restoration
Volunteers from the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society celebrated Monday the mechanical restoration of one of its rail cars, a decade-long process that will bring train rides back to Bellefonte.
The all-volunteer historical society’s self-powered rail car is set to return 3:15 p.m. Oct. 27 to the Bellefonte train station now that extensive repairs are complete. The first set of excursions are scheduled for Oct. 28 and 29. After partnering with other organizations to provide fall and winter rides, the return of the Budd Rail Diesel Car means the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society will be able to offer rides once again on their own car.
The first trips coincide with the Talleyrand Fall Fest and annual Halloween parade. Tickets will cost $10 for a trip Oct. 28. The train is scheduled to depart hourly beginning at 10 a.m. The final trip is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.
Trips will alternate between Milesburg and Axemann. Rides will be about 30 minutes, historic society social media and marketing Chair Tracey Besemer said.
Tickets will cost $20 for a longer trip Oct. 29. The train is scheduled to leave the station every two hours beginning at 10 a.m. The final trip is also set to begin at 4 p.m.
Riders will be taken toward Dale Summit for a “leaf-peeping” ride, Besemer said. The ride will last about 90 minutes.
Children two and under ride free each day. Tickets may only be purchased the day of the ride at the train station, Besemer said. Any changes would be announced on the organization’s Facebook page. The train seats 89 people.
Major mechanical work began in 2014, including repairs of the rail car’s engine, brakes, HVAC systems, windows and body. It was slated to be an 18-month project.
That didn’t happen.
Parts were unavailable, there was an accident at the rail yard where it was being repaired, the coronavirus pandemic unfolded and other issues arose once the project began, the organization wrote in a press release. The 70-year-old rail car returned in September.
The historical society thanked a baker’s dozen organizations in their press release for their support, including the state Department of Transportation for a $295,000 grant that covered most of the cost to restore the rail car.