Steam into History

Steam Into History
Reporting mark NCRA
Locale York County, Pennsylvania
Dates of operation June 2013 (June 2013)–present
Track gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Length 10 mi (16 km)
Headquarters New Freedom, Pennsylvania
Website steamintohistory.com

Steam into History (reporting mark NCRA) is a non-profit, Civil War themed heritage railroad based in New Freedom, Pennsylvania. A reproduction 4-4-0 steam locomotive hauls passengers over 10 miles of Northern Central Railway track between New Freedom and Hanover Junction, Pennsylvania.[1]

The operation held its grand opening on June 1, 2013.[2]

Historical Significance of the Northern Central Railway

The Northern Central Railway, the route Steam Into History operates over, was a vital transportation artery during the American Civil War. The line ran between Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Baltimore, Maryland providing a direct north-south route in which federal troops and supplies were shuttled to the southern-most reaches of Union territory. The railroad’s strategic importance was understood by the Confederates and as such it was targeted by rebel troops during Robert E. Lee’s Invasion of the North in June 1863.[3] Railroad bridges, rolling stock, and telegraph lines along the Northern Central right-of-way were ruthlessly destroyed by the advancing rebel army.[4][5]

The railway was pressed into military service shortly after the Battle of Gettysburg, transporting wounded troops to distant metropolitan hospitals in York, Baltimore, and Harrisburg. Several months later, President Abraham Lincoln and other dignitaries traveled over the line on their way to commemorate the Soldier’s National Cemetery at Gettysburg where Lincoln delivered his now famous address.[6][7] The president and company boarded their private train in Baltimore and journeyed north over Northern Central tracks to Hanover Junction where they changed trains to continue West. The depot at Hanover Junction where Mr. Lincoln changed trains still stands today and is on the National Register of Historic Places.[8] Much of the surrounding countryside has remained relatively unchanged since Lincoln’s historic journey.

Current Operations

Steam Into History operates a 2 1/2 hour excursion from New Freedom, PA to Hanover Junction and return, and a short 1 hour trip from New Freedom to Glen Rock, Pennsylvania.[9] Motive power is provided by 4-4-0 steam locomotive the “York”, a faithful reproduction of a typical American Standard engine common on North American railroads in the mid to late 19th Century. “York” was custom built by the Kloke Locomotive Works LLC from late 2010 to Spring 2013.[10][11] Its design was based on O’Connor Engineering blueprints for the replica Union Pacific No. 119 and Central Pacific “Jupiter” locomotives (both engines currently reside at the Golden Spike National Historic Site in Utah).[12]

17 York

The Steam into History train typically consists of three passenger coaches, one of which is converted to an open air car through the summer and fall. During each excursion, interpreters in period wardrobe offer historical commentary for passengers. Their narration provides insight into the importance of the railroad and its neighboring communities during the Civil War years and thereafter.[13] Special events planned for train rides throughout the year, such as musical entertainers and character reenactments, help support and compliment the historical atmosphere of the railroad.[14]

Steam into History's two-hour excursion terminates at the Hanover Junction Depot where a brief layover provides an opportunity to explore the station museum.

Steam into History's train facing South towards New Freedom.
The York about to depart Hanover Junction. The locomotive burns oil as an alternative fuel for wood.

Equipment

Locomotive Roster

No. Class Engine Builder Built Notes
17 4-4-0 Steam Kloke Loco Works LLC. 2013 Custom built for SIH based on blueprints for Golden Spike replica engines. Sports a bonnet smoke stack complete with Spark arrestor commonly used on wood burning engines of the period. The York, however, burns oil instead of wood for both economic and practical reasons. Painted in NCRR livery.
7580 GP-10 Diesel EMD 1957 Built for the Pennsylvania Railroad. Rebuilt in 1979 by Conrail.

Current Rolling stock roster

Past Rolling stock

Both 702 and 213 served as the main passenger consist from June 1 to September 29, 2013 while SIH's coach and combine were constructed by the Reader Railroad.

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.ydr.com/history/ci_23006408/steam-into-history-train-coming-soon
  2. ↑ http://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_23355969/first-steam-into-history-trip-departs-new-freedom
  3. ↑ http://www.pacivilwartrails.com/stories/tales/target-hanover-junction
  4. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/1863/06/28/news/rebel-invasion-occupation-carlisle-enemy-retirement-our-forces-harrisburgh.html
  5. ↑ http://yorkcountypa.gov/parks-recreation/the-parks/heritage-rail-trail-park/hanover-junction-museum.html
  6. ↑ http://explorepahistory.com/hmarker.php?markerId=1-A-1BB
  7. ↑ http://www.nycivilwar.us/hanjunc.html
  8. ↑ http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMBM2_Hanover_Junction_Railroad_Station
  9. ↑ http://www.gettysburg.travel/visitor/member_detail.asp?contact_id=132935
  10. ↑ http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_22409275/yorks-civil-war-era-train-closer-completion
  11. ↑ http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-06-13/news/bs-md-backstory-railroad-20130613_1_reader-railroad-engine-york-county
  12. ↑ http://www.ydr.com/gettysburg150/ci_18995870
  13. ↑ http://www.eveningsun.com/rss/ci_20779939?source=rss
  14. ↑ http://steamintohistory.com/excursions
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