In the railroad industry, the word “hostling” means the process of preparing a steam locomotive for operation. On this tour, guests receive a unique, up-close, and behind-the-scenes view of how a steam locomotive is prepared for the day’s operation. This tour is limited to just 10 people.
Quick Details
Shop Tour Ticket
Age 5 & up
$ 25
Behind-the-Scenes
Mechanical Shop Tour
Go behind the scenes with a guided tour of the railroad, where steam trains are built and refurbished. Learn how our mechanical department has been producing everything from fabricated parts to complete historic restoration for over 50 years.
Scheduled Tour Times are generally Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (March – June / September – November) and 7 days a week from July 4 to Labor Day, each day at 12:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. tour on weekend days.
Advanced reservation is strongly suggested.
Pre-purchase online or by calling 866-725-9666
Please note: Children under the age of 5 are not permitted on the Shop Tour. Ages 5 through 17 must be accompanied by a paying adult, aged 18 or older.
All Shop Tour ticket holders must sign a release which will be provided at the Station upon check-in. The release ensures that tour participants acknowledge that he/she will be entering an area where railroad industrial activity is performed, including the use of heavy, moving machinery and other hazards associated with a railroad or industrial facility. The release holder agrees to assume all risk of illness or injury and hold the Strasburg Rail Road harmless for any illness/injury that occurs while the holder is on the Shop Tour.
Due to the nature of the facility, this tour is not accessible for those requiring a mobility device. Guests are encouraged to wear proper footwear; high heels and flip-flops are discouraged.