Mr. Lisowski,

It's been a long time since I've been to the good old TSRR, but so far as I know, it's still a state park. In my time it was our duty as Park Rangers to show folks around. If the shop is locked up, look for somebody in uniform, and talk to them. During normal business hours, there ought to be somebody in the depot building at Rusk, possibly also Palestine. Calling ahead will help, too, at least give it a try. (Sorry, I don't have their number...)

The regular park employees are pretty much regular folks, who sympathise with the park visitors and everyday citizens who pay for it all. They'll help you if they can.

Enjoy Your Visit to Dogwood Country,
Sammy KIng

You might want to check the shop building in Palestine, too. If all else fails, it might be open.

And you better allow PLENTY of time for that drive from Houston to DFW, expect delays at the last minute as you get closer to the airport. I've never driven in the DFW area at any time of day without catching a traffic jam somewhere on the freeway system. Expect speed traps behind every bush and billboard, too, that's how they make up for not having state income tax in Texas.

The shop staff is friendly, but stop by the office and ask for Earl Knoob. When I worked there, I had never seen a visiitor turned away, even on operating days when whole familes would be looking for the train to ride, or after we got back and a curious family would follow the engine back to the shops.....i remember one brave little girl came to the shop with her parents and asked me "Is this is where the choo- choos sleep"?