TSR announces 2008 operating schedule
Lone Ranger will be coming later in the year

Water marks ring the support columns of the trestle at the Neches River as the Texas State Railroad passes above it. The TSR is back in full operation after floods last July washed away portions of the track. PHOTO: LORI KASTROP

Discounted local appreciation fares continue at the Texas State Railroad through the end of February.

During January and February, residents of Anderson and Cherokee County have an opportunity to ride the Texas State Railroad for a reduced rate of $10 per person.

Following floods last July which shut the railroad down, the track is repaired and full operations are returning for the 2008 season.

During February, the train will make excursions from Palestine on Fridays and depart from the Rusk depot on Saturdays.

A special Valentine's dinner train will run Feb.14 and will depart from the Rusk depot at 7 p.m. Tickets are almost sold out for this event.

Beginning in March, trains will run from both depots Friday through Sunday. The TSR's only steam locomotive will depart from the Rusk depot.

March 7-9, special excursion runs with "The Little Engine That Could" rail tour will depart exclusively from the Palestine depot and turn around at the Jarvis Wye and return to Palestine.

Marketing director Lori Kastrop said that each ride will depart at 10 a.m. and last approximately 2½ hours.

During April, Rusk departures will be aboard a diesel engine while the Palestine depot hosts the steam locomotive.

The following month, the engines will swap positions and Rusk will again be the designated depot for the steam locomotive.

American Heritage Railways, Inc. also announced plans to bring back Thomas the Tank Engine for a repeat engagement.

"The Great Discovery Tour 2008" will depart exclusvely from the Rusk dept on Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 24-26.

Ms. Kastrop said that the TSR hopes to schedule additional special events during the year.

The diesel and steam engines will continue to rotate from one depot to the other for the remainder of the season.

"Keep your eye out for The Lone Ranger™….he is coming soon," she said. Dates have not yet been finalized.

The two fall and winter events, "A Day Out with Thomas" and "The Polar Express" attracted approximately 31,000 riders to Rusk and Palestine.

Ms. Kastrop said that cowboys and gunfight reenactments are featured at the TSR each Saturday. "Persons should call for more information," she said.

A new train ride option will be offered soon called "engine cab rides."

For a fee, a train enthusiast can ride in the cab of an engine one way. For more information, call (903) 683-2561.