Free Train Rides? Not An April Fool’s Joke

Residents of both Tuolumne and Calaveras County will be able to ride the train for free this weekend at Railtown 1897 in Jamestown. The offer is good this Saturday and Sunday only.

Lisa DeLacy, Railtown 1897 Museum Curator, was Friday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”.

It is opening weekend and the trains will run every weekend through the end of October. After a break, the exclusive kid friendly Polar Express will run from late November through Christmas.

Railtown itself is a part of the California State Park System and is one of two State Historic Parks in Tuolumne County. Columbia is the other Historic Park.

There are more than just the train rides at Railtown. The wide grounds are filled with picnic tables, gift shops and there is the Roundhouse, where visitors can watch mechanics working on an engine and a train car or two. They are authentic mechanics and not part of an “old time show prop”.

Visitors will see the “movie star locomotive”, which is the famed Sierra No. 3.

The 1891 vintage steam locomotive is a favorite for tourists. In addition to its Hollywood film credentials, Sierra No. 3 is one of the oldest operating steam locomotives in the United States.

Folks will also see plenty of volunteers during the season. There are volunteer opportunities available.

Positions available include ticket agents, tour guides, greeters, brakemen and rail car hosts.

For more information, log on to http://www.railtown1897.org/

The Newsmaker of the Day can be heard each weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM-1450 KVML.