Steam Ride

Step back in time aboard the last operating steam train excursion in New York state. We are an authentic operating short line railroad. We hold the distinction of being one of the last "common carriers" — running freight and passenger trains weekly. Welcome aboard the train to yesterday."

Arcade & Attica Railroad

In the late 1950's, freight business began to slide and something had to be done in order to save the short line. The decision was made to try steam powered passenger excursions. #18, a 1920 2-8-0 American locomotive, was purchased in 1962 from the Boyne City Railroad in Michigan along with two Delaware, Lackawanna and Western coaches. The inaugural run was on July 27 1962 for railroad officials and the press. Regular summertime excursions began in August of the same year. During that first season of only 27 days, 17,000 paying passengers were carried in only two cars. The trains ran from morning to night. In 1963 #14, a Baldwin 4-6-0 was purchased from the Escanaba and Lake Superior Railroad and more Delaware, Lackawanna and Western coaches were purchased. The line came to be known as the "Grand Scenic Route".

Arcade & Attica

The journey into the Curriers Depot is quite enjoyable, as there is no ride like that behind a steam engine. Once at the depot, the locomotive uncouples from the train, and moves onto a siding, and stops, where you are free to look at the engine, take pictures, and talk with the crew as they prepare #18 for her return journey. As the engine begins to move once more, moving tender first, the engineer blows the whistle for the crossing. The Conductor throws the switch, and the engine moves forward once more to couple up with the end of the train. Watch as the crew couples up the engine, and then runs the brake test.

Arcade & Attica

With three sharp reports on the whistle, the engine slowly backs up, for the return trip to Arcade. Whistling once again for the crossing, the engine picks up speed, and before you know it, you are once again "buried" in nature. This time, ride on the open gondola, which is now directly in front of the engine. As the train climbs the hill, coming out of Curriers, listen to the enchanting sounds of the exhaust steam, as the engine chugs on. Finally, arriving back in Arcade, watch as they uncouple the engine from the train.

Arcade & Attica