RailLines Blog

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…

At Strasburg Rail Road, we pride ourselves on creating memorable experiences and instilling a love of all things locomotives. In fact, many of our most popular rides are family-friendly and go above and beyond educating about our many trains and history. Looking to start new family traditions or a place to add to the family…

Railroads will typically have signs posted in order to alert people and vehicles to the nearby conditions of trains or tracks. Like railroad signals, they are vital as warnings and guides, so it’s important to have a basic understanding of railroad sign meanings. This blog will list many of the common railroad signs you may…

At Strasburg Rail Road, our popular Wine & Cheese Train is a great way to spend the evening enjoying the company of your friends, that special someone for date night, or just treating yourself to a relaxing steam train ride through Lancaster County.  New to wine and cheese tasting? To help you prepare for your…

Whether you’re party planning for a major occasion or organizing a small event, Strasburg Rail Road is the unique event venue you’re looking for. Able to host both large and small parties for a variety of celebrations, it’s the perfect place to gather. Keep reading to see 4 different occasions and reasons to consider Strasburg…

By the time we reach the driving age, most people are knowledgeable about road safety laws. All drivers need to be — understanding which actions are safe and which are illegal not only protects you as a driver, but it helps protect any other drivers and passengers on the road.  What many of us don’t…

Between 1860 and 1900, the United States witnessed an unprecedented boom in railroad construction—an era shaped as much by ambition as by steel and steam. But what truly fueled this rapid transformation? While innovation played a role, many historians argue that the driving force behind this explosive growth was the relentless pursuit of wealth and…

Since the beginning of America’s railroading history, railroad workers have always played an essential role in maintaining the safety of the train and its passengers. From operating the locomotive to surveying the land where the tracks were laid, each person’s role was unique. Explore the types of railroad workers that were most popular in the…

When passenger trains came into popular use, train car dining didn’t exist. It wasn’t until later, after the Civil War, that dining became a regular feature of train transit. As dining cars and the food they served continued to improve, train car dining started to rival some of the best five-star restaurants across the country….

Photo courtesy of Christopher R. Pollock. Whether you’re a railfan or not, you can’t deny the profound history that steam locomotives played in American history. At one point in time, steam was the “it” method of transportation. Strasburg Rail Road’s equipment roster is full of historic steam engines and unique motive power that you can…

Railroad signals play a crucial role in the safety of train transit. Just like normal highway traffic lights, railroad signals direct the engineman on how to proceed. But these signals are much more complex than normal traffic lights. This guide breaks down US Railroad signals into three sections: category, type, and how to read. We’ve…

As a child, some of your fondest memories are formed by getting out of the house and exploring with your family or friends. From historical landmarks to museums, there are plenty of exciting and educational places to take kids in and around Lancaster County.  Whether you’re looking for field trips for schools or family things…