RailLines Blog

Celebrating a birthday is a special part of childhood development. Aside from helping them feel valued and loved, birthday parties give kids the chance to socialize with friends or family outside the walls of a classroom.  If you’re a parent of a train-loving child in need of inspiration for their next birthday party, you’re in…

A house is only a home if you fill it with items that represent you. If you live and breathe trains or railroad history, railroad spike decorations are a fun, but subtle and practical way to share your love of the hobby throughout your space.  Add some old-fashioned railway charm to your home with these…

The railroad industry is ripe with interesting and obscure facts about the steam train. After all, these massive machines are arguably one of the most important inventions of the modern age. Discover some of the most impressive railroad and steam train facts to add to your train knowledge.  General Railroad & Train Facts Let’s start…

There are so many sounds that we associate with the train: the rumble of the engine; the click-clack of the wheels along the tracks; the screech of the brakes; but maybe the most popular, the choo-choo of the train whistle. The train whistle is the universal sound of the locomotive. But did you know that…

Strasburg Rail Road is best known for its steam-powered train rides through Lancaster’s scenic farmland, but did you know the train route passes right by the county’s oldest graveyard?  Most passengers rarely think twice about passing Carpenter’s Cemetery during the day. But at night, as the daylight slips away aboard the Halloween train, there’s something…

Understanding railroad safety might not be high on your priority list, but it should be. Making risky choices around railroad tracks can result in devastating consequences. And train tragedies happen much more than you probably think. In the United States, a person or car is struck by a train every three hours. Keep yourself and…

Toy trains are a timeless childhood pastime. For generations, they’ve been bringing excitement to playtime. For some of us railfans, that passion never leaves. Whether you’re a parent looking to find railroad toys for your kids, or you’re a collector looking to expand your trove, discover some of the top model & toy trains below. …

The caboose is an iconic symbol of America’s railroad history. For over a hundred years, this style of train car traveled at the rear of trains across the country.  From their origins as simple platforms to their evolution into fully-equipped crew quarters, explore the fascinating history of the caboose and its impact on the American…

 There’s nothing better than sharing a romantic experience with someone you love. Strasburg Rail Road, offers a large selection of rail-based activities and dining options for you and your significant other. Looking for some railroad romance or simply a fun excursion? Read to explore 6 romantic train rides and activities you and your partner will…

If you are familiar with the history of Strasburg Rail Road, then you are sure to have heard many interesting facts about the railroad itself. One such is that we are referred to as a short line railroad. What is a short line railroad? How does it differ from a normal railroad, and why are…

When you hear about trains and their fictional representations, your mind may first go to Thomas the Tank Engine™  and all of his train friends. While Thomas is certainly one of the most famous fictional trains, he is far from the only one. Read our blog to discover how trains in fiction have shown up…

Thomas is headed to Strasburg Rail Road in beautiful Lancaster County. While we’re busy prepping for this exciting event, we rounded up some fun facts to help you and your young ones become Thomas experts!  Check out our list of commonly asked questions and facts about the original Thomas the Tank Engine™. Once you arrive…