PLEASE NOTE: Due to unforeseen track work, the itinerary has changed. See updated description below.
The National Museum of Industrial History is proud to work with the Reading & Northern Railroad to host a day-long rare mileage train ride on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The trip will depart from Nesquehoning Station (1 Iron Horse Way, Nesquehoning, PA 18240), at 9 AM, with guests riding aboard a pair of open window Budd RDCs (self-propelled Rail Diesel Cars). In Ashland, PA, guests will have the option to detrain and tour the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine or stay aboard for two hours of photo runbys. The standard mine tour will be enhanced by a visit to the headframe and lokie barn where Lehigh Valley Coal Company tank engine Number 119 will be seen under restoration. Several lucky guests will have a chance to operate anthracite burning tank engine Number 123. Finally, passengers will have a chance to tour the Reading & Northern Railroad Nesquehoning Campus, an adaptive re-use of the former KME firetruck factory, now being used for mechanical repairs, offices, training facilities, and the Nesquehoning Regional Railroad Station. There are also surprise military artifacts housed at the location that will be on display. The railroad's Black Diamond Store will be open on the campus as well.
Back by popular demand for the 2025 Anthracite Railroad Ramble will be historical narration from Michael Helbing, President of Metrotrails. He will discuss the railroad, canal, and industrial history along the route.
Special for 2025 will be an onboard book signing with Hank Webber, author of The History of The High Iron Company. His book takes readers back into an era where steam-powered giants thundered across the countryside. The beautifully crafted volume delivers 14 engaging chapters covering the rise and operations of mainline steam excursions, over 200 rare and vivid photographs bringing the High Iron story to life, with 238 pages of expertly documented rail history, from locomotive rebuilds to high-speed runs. A limited number of books will be available for sale onboard.
Guests can bring their own lunch or pre-purchase a box lunch to eat on the train. Light snacks and drinks will also be available for sale on the train. Seating is limited and expected to sell out. Guests must arrange their own transportation to and from Nesquehoning Station. Estimated return to Nesquehoning Station between 5 and 6pm.
ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE ON A FIRST COME – FIRST SERVED BASIS. SEATING IS LIMITED. NO SALES DAY OF THE TRIP. SALES END ONE WEEK BEFORE THE TRIP. NO ASSIGNED SEATING. THE RAILROAD RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SUBSTITUTE MOTIVE POWER AS CONDITIONS REQUIRE. ALL CHILDREN REGARDLESS OF AGE MUST HAVE A TICKET. ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Price
Single Ticket $99
Optional add-on experience - Detrain for Pioneer Tunnel Tour: $20
Option to add-on lunch for an additional $10 charge (includes sandwich, chips & bottled water)
NMIH members receive a ten percent discount on ticket prices when using code TRAIN.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.
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