Restored trains
Encyclopedia
Restored trains are historic train
s that have been removed from service and later restored to their past condition, as opposed to having never been removed from service, like UP 844, the only U.S. steam locomotive to never be retired. They are operated in present day service as moving examples of living history
, as opposed to static exhibits. The majority of restored trains are operated at heritage railway
s and railway museum
s, although they can also be found on the main line
s or branch line
s of the commercial working railway, operated by specialist railtour
companies or museum groups.
For authenticity, the location/route of preserved trains is often chosen to match the original trains used.
The restoration of historic railway equipment has gained importance in the United States, primarily because of a large amount of steam locomotives and cabooses donated by railroads to cities and museums, many of which have been displayed in parks for many years. Often these restoration projects are accomplished by a local railroad club or chapters of a national organization.
Examples of major projects accomplished by clubs are D&RGW 315, which was displayed in the city park in Durango, Colorado
, until removed by the Durango Railway Historical Society and restored to operation, as well as D&RGW 223
, which was displayed at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City, Utah until moved to Ogden
and restored by the Golden Spike Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society.
Eureka & Palisades 4
, also known as the Eureka, was purchased by a single man from a tourist attraction outside of Las Vegas, Nevada, where it was a static display. She was restored and is still privately owned, operating occasionally on the Durango & Silverton and Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroads in Colorado.
Train
A train is a connected series of vehicles for rail transport that move along a track to transport cargo or passengers from one place to another place. The track usually consists of two rails, but might also be a monorail or maglev guideway.Propulsion for the train is provided by a separate...
s that have been removed from service and later restored to their past condition, as opposed to having never been removed from service, like UP 844, the only U.S. steam locomotive to never be retired. They are operated in present day service as moving examples of living history
Living history
Living history is an activity that incorporates historical tools, activities and dress into an interactive presentation that seeks to give observers and participants a sense of stepping back in time. Although it does not necessarily seek to reenact a specific event in history, living history is...
, as opposed to static exhibits. The majority of restored trains are operated at heritage railway
Heritage railway
thumb|right|the Historical [[Khyber train safari|Khyber Railway]] goes through the [[Khyber Pass]], [[Pakistan]]A heritage railway , preserved railway , tourist railway , or tourist railroad is a railway that is run as a tourist attraction, in some cases by volunteers, and...
s and railway museum
Railway museum
A railway museum is a museum that explores the history of all aspects of rail related transportation, including: locomotives , railway cars, trams, and railway signalling equipment.See List of railway museums...
s, although they can also be found on the main line
Main line (railway)
The Mainline or Main line of a railway is a track that is used for through trains or is the principal artery of the system from which branch lines, yards, sidings and spurs are connected....
s or branch line
Branch line
A branch line is a secondary railway line which branches off a more important through route, usually a main line. A very short branch line may be called a spur line...
s of the commercial working railway, operated by specialist railtour
Railtour
A railtour is a special train which is run in order to allow people to experience rail travel which is not available using timetabled passenger services...
companies or museum groups.
For authenticity, the location/route of preserved trains is often chosen to match the original trains used.
In the United States
Examples of major projects accomplished by clubs are D&RGW 315, which was displayed in the city park in Durango, Colorado
Durango, Colorado
The City of Durango is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous city of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. The United States Census Bureau said that the city population was 16,887 in 2010 census.-History:...
, until removed by the Durango Railway Historical Society and restored to operation, as well as D&RGW 223
D&RGW 223
Denver and Rio Grande Western 223 is one of a class of 28 2-8-0, Consolidation type, narrow gauge steam railway locomotives built for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad by the Grant Locomotive Works of Paterson, New Jersey in 1881-82. Number 223 was completed in December, 1881, at a cost of $11,553...
, which was displayed at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City, Utah until moved to Ogden
Ogden, Utah
Ogden is a city in Weber County, Utah, United States. Ogden serves as the county seat of Weber County. The population was 82,825 according to the 2010 Census. The city served as a major railway hub through much of its history, and still handles a great deal of freight rail traffic which makes it a...
and restored by the Golden Spike Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society.
Eureka & Palisades 4
Eureka Locomotive
The Eureka Locomotive is a privately owned steam locomotive in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is one of three Baldwin Class 8/18 C 4-4-0 locomotives still in existence, and is the only engine of the three that is in operating condition...
, also known as the Eureka, was purchased by a single man from a tourist attraction outside of Las Vegas, Nevada, where it was a static display. She was restored and is still privately owned, operating occasionally on the Durango & Silverton and Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroads in Colorado.