The Circus is coming to Buckeyeland! Will they bring the train?

[Buckeye Riveter]

The World Famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is scheduled to be in Columbus, Ohio, November 30th. As I understand it the circus will be coming to town via their own train.

Will they let you see the train or do they stay in a local yard? How do I get to see the circus train up close without landing in jail? [:D]

[pbjwilson]

A few years ago the family was vacationing in Wisconsin near the Wis. Dells. We were out for a drive when we came upon a large gathering of peopple at a very remote rail crossing. It just so happened that this was the day the Ringling Bros. circus was pulling out of Baraboo and heading to Milwaukee for the annual circus parade. We hung out to watch the train go by. What a sight! Pulled by a pair of F-7's I think, with a string of vintage passenger cars painted silver and red, followed by flat cars loaded with caliopes, circus wagons, all kinds of circus stuff. All the cars were painted very bright colors, lots of silver, gold, red, etc.

If the circus is your thing it's worth a trip. As far as I know the circus train and circus parade are in August. Some really good veiwng points as well. Devils Lake State park(the train runs right through it and along the lake!), crosses the Wisconsin River at Merrimac, Free car ferry across the river at that point.

Hope you get to see the train Buckeye!

[Blueberryhill RR]

Buckeye.. Those are good questions. I'd love to see that train.
And Circus, for that matter. If you find out any answers, let us
know. I will come to Columbus to see that train.
Chuck

[spankybird]

Buckeye, They were in Cleveland from Oct 22 to the end of Oct. I saw the train every day on the way home, as it was parked on a sideing right downtown. As I was traveling north on the interbelt (I-90) you could see it.

They have to stay close to where they are performing as they paride the animals from the train to the big tent. In Cleveland they went from E22 st. to E 9th at the Gunn Arena. (I missed it but it was on the news).

[Buckeye Riveter]

The first day of the circus is November 30th. The performances will be at Nationwide Arena. On Sunday, November 27th there is a hockey game at the arena.

So, now my question: When would you estimate that the circus train would roll into town? They can't just show up the first day of the circus, can they?[?][?][?][?][?][?]

[Blueberryhill RR]

I wonder how far it is from the unloading siding to the show site ?
They must have a real smooth running system to unload.