Having been there a few times, I always enjoy every photo opportunity that the railroad has provided. This year will be a miss for me out there. I try to get in a once a year trip out there as well as the Railroad Museum next door.
One of the most interesting things I had the pleasure of doing out there in 2019 was the shops tour. That was truly amazing. Just seeing what you usually don't see at all is impressive as well as stunning. #90 was almost sleeping during the tour as a few wisps of smoke could be seen rising up from the stack in the engine shed.
The shops where they do repairs and work for other railroads was also very cool. Seeing some of the equipment, tools as well as some of the locomotive projects that have been underway for some time are intriguing. Some of the projects we were told have been underway for a good number of years as the funding for such things is indeed expensive.
When is the best time to go, anytime you have when they are running. I've done an August trip and October, haven't done any other months. I believe I've ridden out on the train only 4 times, need to get those numbers up. Maybe one of the other times I'll get tickets for two rides when I'm out there. We'll see.
