Texas State Railroad...

[Anonymous]

Is there anyone out there that's ever ridden on the Texas State Railroad from Palestine to Rusk and back again ?. Some friends and I are thinking about giving it a try in the near future and were wondering if it's worth the trip.

trainluver1 (Sam)

[egmurphy]

Yeah, we went a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. It's a few hours from Houston so you have to get going early, but I thought it was worth it.

Back then they had several of their steam engines undergoing refitting to comply with new govt regs. Only one was running. The other train was pulled by a diesel. So you had to be careful which end you started from. You might call to check and see if both trains are steam powered now, or if not which end you need to start at to be behind steam.

Enjoy the trip!!

Regards

Ed

[WDGF]

My Wife & I rode from Palestine in April of '04, and enjoyed it very much. The countryside was gorgeous that time of year. IIRC we rode behind the red #300, but the opposing train was behind a very nicely restored diesel. They pull some hills, so there are places where the loco's pulling fairly hard. Well worth the trip, and we plan to go again. Pack a lunch as the train spends about an hour in Rusk to turn the locomotive. I'd also like to go back to photograph the trains from several spots along the line, sometime.

You probably already have this, but here's the TSRR's web addy, in case you don't: http://www.texasstaterailroad.com/

[Anonymous]

My girlfriend and I rode the TSR the weekend before last. I also lived in nearby Nacogdoches for several years. East Texas is a beautiful place in the Spring.

A word on lodging. There are only two hotels in Rusk. The Budget Inn is terrible and the other is often full. If you are not staying in the state park, you may consider lodging in Palestine, Jacksonville, or Nacogdoches. If you do stay in Nacogdoches, I strongly recommend taking FM 343 between Nac and Rusk. It's a beautiful drive.

Currently only one steam locomotive (# 300) is working. The others are down for boiler inspection and re-fitting. When we were there, the Palestine train was being pulled by the resident ALCO (and yes, it is beautifully restored and maintained). T&P 610 is usually displayed in Palestine and is a delightful behemoth to behold. When we were there, many period reenactors were in costume on the trains and doing demonstrations at the Palestine depot.

The trains from Palestine and Rusk met mid-line at a siding. If you like train-chasing, the route has numerous country dirt road crossings that provide EXCELLENT photographic opportunities. The road crew is also very friendly.

I know the area well. If you have any other questions, please ask.

[Anonymous]

Yes, go, its a wonderful experience..... especially the steam locomotives.... well worth the 2 to 3 hour trip from Dallas....

[Anonymous]

Been on the TSRR thrice. All trips started in Rusk. Be sure to get your pics and sightseeing in on the trip out because coming back after lunch with the gentle rocking of the coaches...nap time.

[egmurphy]

QUOTE: ...because coming back after lunch with the gentle rocking of the coaches...nap time...

LOL, you too!!! [(-D] DW still kids me about that one. [zzz]


One last point, seeing as how I'm posting on this thread again. At least when we went, they told me that the steam locomotive started the trip from Rusk for one month, then started from Palestine the next month. They were alternating to give people at both ends a chance to easily access the steamer. That's why you need to ask when you call which end the steamer is running from for the date when you plan on going.


Regards

Ed

[Anonymous]

You'll likely have a great time. TSR is a very well-run operation. Check the website first.