Durbin Rocket

In century-old Durbin, the DURBIN ROCKET Excursion Train is powered by the unique Heisler No. 6 locomotive – a coal-fired steam engine with ties to West Virginia’s historic rail and logging industry. Departing the Durbin Depot April through December, you can ride in authentic 1920-era coaches and vintage wooden cabooses behind Heisler No. 6 as she steams along the free-flowing Greenbrier River in northern Pocahontas County. The ride covers 10.5 miles in 2 hours and offers many beautiful river and mountain views in the Monongahela National Forest. This adventure is popular for kids and anyone who has an interest in railroads and history!

The DURBIN ROCKET is a perfect choice for families with younger children. The combination of open and closed cars give children the option of free movement through the train as she chugs her way to and from Hevener Station. An open car directly behind Heisler No. 6 offer ample opportunities to see coal being shoveled into the tender and watch as she takes in water at a watering hole along the way. Advantages for more mature riders on this signature steam-driven locomotive are the options of open-car views perfect for photo taking and sightseeing, plus closed-car comfort in the coaches and cabooses.

Heisler No. 6 -- (Meadow River Lumber No. 6) - C/N 1591, 1929; Class 90-3. Built by Heisler Locomotive Works (Erie, Pa.) for Bostonia Coal and Clay Products, New Bethlehem, Pa. as No. 20. Heisler 6Acquired by Meadow River Lumber Co., Rainelle (Greenbrier County) – arrived 1-29-39, first test run 4-10-39; equipped with Radley & Hunter smokestack (1939) and Worthington feedwater heater system (1941); mostly served as MRL’s transfer engine (making turns over the Nicholas, Fayette & Greenbrier to empty/load exchange points between woods mainline trackage); retired from regular service when diesel-electrics went into operation during 2-57; last geared steam locomotive used by MRL. Inspections kept current despite rare use; came to Cass on her own power via the NF&G and C&O Ry, 12-66; introduced into service during Bald Knob Inaugural Weekend, 5-68 (Sunday performance ahead of ex-MRL sister No. 7 as far as Back Mountain Crossing). Entered regular service to Whittaker, 5-69. Because of her speed in comparison to the Shays, served as power for off-line events; the Radley & Hunter was replaced with a diamond stack prior to the 1970 season; work on middle truck and other repairs occurred during 1992-93; rendered out-of-service with a boiler problem discovered in 5-95. Became first subject of a Division of Natural Resources (DNR, the government agency in charge of Cass) boiler replacement program; contract was awarded to Sistersville Tank Works (Tyler County), 10-97; new boiler delivered to Cass, 12-99. Engine was placed in service 5-04.

Philip V. Bagdon - Mountain State Railroad & Logging Historical Association

Visit Durbin and drift away in complete solitude onboard the Castaway Caboose! We’ve restored two original Wabash Railroad cabooses into comfortable efficiency suites on rails! Your overnight package includes a round-trip fare on the DURBIN ROCKET steam train ride, where you will be "cast away" at one of two remote settings. Located several miles from the nearest encroachment of the modern world, this secluded wilderness setting along the beautiful Greenbrier River is where you will spend the evening with only the rushing waters of the river to break the quiet of the night. At the end of your stay the train will pull your caboose car back to Durbin where you will be treated to your first glimpse of civilization!

Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad