Press release and photos: link
NORTHEAST INDIANA – The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has introduced two newly created passenger cars to the Indiana Rail Experience. Converted from two former Ringing Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus cars, the additions combine parlor-style seating with generously sized open windows and four large Dutch viewing doors for a unique combination of first-class amenities and vintage railroad charm. Tickets to ride in these cars during special events this year, including the Tri-State Scenic in June and the Wine & Chocolate Train in July, are on sale now at indianarailexperience.org.
“Many of our guests want to experience the thrill of riding behind a historic steam locomotive up close and personal, and these cars combine Jazz Era and Art Deco furnishings and decor, comfortable seating, and plentiful opportunities to see, hear, and enjoy the train and passing countryside,” explained Kelly Lynch, Executive Director for the Fort Wayne Railroad. “Many traditional open-window cars are over 100 years old and can be prohibitively expensive to acquire and maintain, so we decided to create our own to maintain the iconic adventure of riding behind a vintage steam locomotive in a way that preserves the sensory experience.”
The cars collectively add nearly 70 seats to each train, and feature table and lounge-style seating, a small bar, water closet, and one car retains its original elephant carriage, which will be available on select occasions for private groups. With its open-air capabilities and casual refinements, the cars will also offer cigar-smoking luxuries during designated events.
The cars carry a silver paint scheme similar to their original circus train appearance and a red stripe signifying that they were once part of the Ringling Ringing Bros. “Red Unit Circus Train,” a one-mile-long, traveling road show that supported the itinerant performances. The circus train ended in 2017, concluding a 145-year-old tradition.
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Tickets to ride aboard these and other vintage passenger cars behind mainline steam in October for the Fall Colors Steam Special go on sale this week at this link.
These all-day steam-powered excursions will treat passengers to an all-day scenic ride aboard a vintage passenger train featuring historic steam locomotive no. 765.
Departing Pleasant Lake, Indiana 9:30 AM, the train will travel over the Indiana Northeastern Railroad and arrive in Hillsdale, Michigan for a 3-hour layover where guests can enjoy shopping, walking tours, and lunch on their own in a variety of area restaurants and food trucks.
With a scheduled departure at 3:00 PM, the train will arrive back at its origin at approximately 6:30 PM. Additional details for the layover will be announced.
The Fall Colors Steam Special features Deluxe Coach, Open Window, First Class, Table and Suite accommodations, a private Pullman car that small groups or families can reserve, and an open-air souvenir car located midtrain. Select amenities include open vestibules, onboard entertainment, a photo runby, and light appetizers and drink service for first-class passengers.
