TRAIN FEST 2004 *PIC*

J. Johnson · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2004 3:34 pm

Press Release - January 7, 2004

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TRAIN FEST 2004 to Attract Thousands to See and Ride Heritage Trains

The Dennison Railroad Museum, in cooperation with the Ohio Central Railroad, will celebrate its 15th Anniversary with TRAIN FEST 2004, the largest railroad heritage event of the year. TRAIN FEST 2004 will be a Festival of Trains celebrating in grand style the great railroading heritage of Ohio and the United States. Excursion trains, pulled by giant restored steam locomotives, will traverse east-central Ohio, offering thousands of visitors a chance to ride in the grand style of yesteryear. Trips are planned between Dennison and Columbus, Pittsburgh and elsewhere.

On July 30, 2004, the three-day extravaganza will begin in the hills of East-Central Ohio. Those thousands of visitors will experience railroading as it was in the past and how it is today. There will be several dozen pieces of railroad equipment, including historic steam locomotives, vintage and modern diesel locomotives, rare passenger coaches, a miniature live-steam railroad, model trains, food, games, fun and a whole lot more for the entire family.

The main attractions for the event will be three of the largest operating steam locomotives in North America, pulling excursions to and from the event. These coal-burning steel monsters weigh over 800,000 pounds each, are 100 feet long, and are capable running at speeds of 90 mph. At least five steam locomotives are scheduled to operate at TRAIN FEST 2004 along with 10 vintage and modern diesel locomotives, and two-dozen passenger cars.

TRAIN FEST 2004 will be held in the history-rich village of Dennison, Ohio, a long-time "railroad town" located on today's Ohio Central Railroad. Dennison is located 90 miles from Columbus, Cleveland and Pittsburgh, making Dennison an ideal location for a festival of this nature, with more than 30 million people living within a two-hour drive. TRAIN FEST 2004 has the potential to bring thousands of railroad and history buffs as well as families to the area for this big event. Excursion trains will depart each day from Columbus and Pittsburgh for Dennison, bringing more than 2,500 people to TRAIN FEST 2004. One hour-long steam powered excursions will also be operating throughout the festival.

What: Three Day Train Festival celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Dennison Railroad Museum showcasing railroading, past and present, to families and railroad enthusiasts.

When: July 30, 2004, to August 1, 2004

Where: TRAIN FEST 2004 will be held in Downtown Dennison, Ohio, on 25 acres around the Museum.

How Much: General admission price will be $12.00/adult and $8.00/child (4-12) 3 and under free. A one-hour train ride will cost $15.00/adult and $12.00/child (4-12) 3 and under free

Train Fest 2004 Website

jmjohnson@ohiocentral.com

T.J. Gaffney · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2004 3:40 pm

Gee, how lucky one feels when one's inlaws live so close to what I'm sure will be the biggest steam event of 2004.....!

TJ

Port Huron Museum
tjgaffney@phmuseum.org

Tom Gears · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2004 3:45 pm

Thanks for the good news! I am going to be there if at all possible.

Tom

Rob Davis · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2004 4:54 pm

Hmmm... 3 100' long steamers

Well, the resident 4-8-4 is probably one of them. The website says PM #1225 is coming... what's the third big gal? Are there 765 reasons to go to Ohio?

Rob

T.J. Gaffney · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2004 5:06 pm

> Hmmm... 3 100' long steamers

> Well, the resident 4-8-4 is probably one of
> them. The website says PM #1225 is coming...
> what's the third big gal? Are there 765
> reasons to go to Ohio?

> Rob

Me-thinks you got it Rob. Actually four, with C&O #2700 on static display (albeit a bit shaggy last I saw). In my best Homer Simpson voice:

"Hmmm. Berkshire."

TJ

Port Huron Museum
tjgaffney@phmuseum.org

dave · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2004 6:09 pm

So, who is pulling the train from Pittsburgh, Jason?

dave

irondave@bellsouth.net

J. Johnson · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2004 6:18 pm

> So, who is pulling the train from
> Pittsburgh, Jason?

> dave

That should be announced next week.
Jason

Train Fest 2004
jmjohnson@ohiocentral.com

jimwrinn · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2004 6:32 pm

Perhaps enough of us will be there that we should all get together for a "RYProariN" good time?

Jim

http://nctrans.org
Wrinnbo@aol.com

Alan Levy · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2004 9:12 pm

> Perhaps enough of us will be there that we
> should all get together for a
> "RYProariN" good time?

> Jim

Jim,

This is a good idea. When I did the survey of the RYPN readers to see where everyone lives I had an idea of a "get together" in the back of my mind.

By the way, if anyone still wants the list of "who lives where" drop me an e-mail and I will send you one.

-Alan Levy

alanl759@aol.com

Ron Widman · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2004 10:34 pm

> Thanks for the good news! I am going to be
> there if at all possible.

> Tom

==================================================

Train Fest 2004 sounds extra terrific and just 'dog gone' fantastic to say the least.

I say give the olde steam whistle cord two long healthy pulls in a grand toast to the Train Fest 2004 steam event.

Dennison, former Pennsy Panhandle mainline, will be a great place for the occasion.

GO OHIO. GO STEAM!!!!

Ron, Lines West, Columbus, Ohio

http://crestline.pennsyrr.com
lineswest@columbus.rr.com

Ron Muldowney · **Posted:** Thu Jan 08, 2004 12:02 am

A PRR T-l would be the "perfect" locomotive to run from Pittsburgh to Dennison. Jason already has a whistle from one, and I have a builder's plate from one, now if we could only find that lost locomotive......

steamfan@crusoe.net

T.J. Gaffney · **Posted:** Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:27 am

> A PRR T-l would be the "perfect"
> locomotive to run from Pittsburgh to
> Dennison. Jason already has a whistle from
> one, and I have a builder's plate from one,
> now if we could only find that lost
> locomotive......

Ron and Jason-

Gee, I was thinking a Morency Orange caboose and some Black and Green cars with maple leafs would be a nicer fit. But hey, I'm easy.

I think the idea of RYPN get together is a great idea. My clan is coming (wife Heather, son T.W., Daughter Phoebe) so hope to see you all there.

TJ

Port Huron Museum
tjgaffney@phmuseum.org

Paul W. Woodring · **Posted:** Thu Jan 08, 2004 6:00 pm

> Perhaps enough of us will be there that we
> should all get together for a
> "RYProariN" good time?

> Jim

I plan on being there, if my vacation bid works out... Aw, I'll mark off sick anyway if I have to.

pww57@hotmail.com

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Thu Jan 08, 2004 6:45 pm

> Perhaps enough of us will be there that we
> should all get together for a
> "RYProariN" good time?

Why, oh why, did they have to pick the weekend I'm supposed to be helping to run a 20,000+ attendance convention in Baltimore?

Hmmmm, maybe I can train some monkeys to run the radio and security operations......... let's see who commits to showing up in Dennison!

LNER4472-NOSPAM-@bcpl.net

Michael Huhn · **Posted:** Fri Mar 26, 2004 11:18 am

> Perhaps enough of us will be there that we
> should all get together for a
> "RYProariN" good time?

> Jim
That'll be a great idea. I'm coming up on Saturday for a one-hour trip.

Jason, Just a suggestion, Could one of the engines from the Pittsburgh & Ohio Central come up to Dennison?

Michael Huhn
Volenteer at the Penensylvania Trolley Museum

Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

huhnkids@adelphia.net