In addition to scheduling trips to 4 different destinations this Summer, Steamwotn is also planning some interesting in-park operations. I will do a Brief, but this is too good to wait:

For Immediate Release - April 29, 2003

Ralph J. Coury 570-340-5185

Full Steam Ahead for New Spring and Summer Programs at Steamtown

Getting to Know The People behind the Technology
SCRANTON, PA: Steamtown National Historic Site is rolling into the Spring and Summer season with an exciting variety of new interpretive programs. Expanding upon the range and depth of an already impressive repertoire, and drawing upon the human experience as an essential element of technological development, this innovative selection of stories is certain to have universal appeal. National Park Rangers at Steamtown will introduce this recently developed series on Wednesday, May 28, and continue to offer daily programs through Labor Day Weekend. This yearÂ’s programs will include:

A Day in the Life of a Locomotive

Visitors are guided by National Park Rangers as they experience a sampling of an average day in the operation of a steam locomotive. They witness the awakening of these powerhouses as they undergo preparation to be placed in service, and interact with Train and Roundhouse Crews as they as they perform daily tasks, such as turntable placement and operation, dumping ash, taking on water and coal and forming a “consist” in the railroad yard.

Yard Operations

These guided interpretive tours provide a broad visual perspective of the railroad yard and allow the visiting public an unobstructed view of the Train and Roundhouse Crews as they carry out the various tasks associated with yard operations.

Turntable Demonstrations include discussions about the purpose and use of the turntable as well as the context of this phase of operations, relative to the overall function of a railroad yard. Visitors gain an understanding of the working environment as well as the routine tasks and special skills associated with the movement and operation of a steam locomotive.

Build A Mixed Train Consist Demonstrations address industry linkages (i.e. rail, coal, iron, lumber and textile) and their resulting interdependence, as well as the relationships that evolved between the people who were employed by those industries. A typical mixed train consist may include passenger cars, coal hoppers, flatcars, boxcars and a caboose.

Cab Tours create an opportunity for visitors to board a steam locomotive and/or diesel engine to experience rail history from an especially unique perspective. >National Park Rangers discuss the purpose, function and history of "motive power", and present comparisons to highlight similarities and disparities.

From Stone to Iron

Visitors interact with skilled craftsmen as they perform blacksmithing demonstrations and discuss the many ways in which anthracite coal was utilized. They describe early uses of “stone coal” as a simple heat source for blacksmithing, its later influence and importance in the development of the iron and rail industries and the ultimate evolution of “hard coal” as the major source of fuel for America’s Industrial Revolution.

Tech Tours

Experts in the field of steam locomotion discuss the processes involved in the construction of a locomotive as well as follow-on maintenance and restoration procedures and practices.

Describing each phase – design, foundry, forge, machine shop, boiler shop and frame assembly – in detail from concept to completion, this highly technical program is designed to present a number of complex construction and restoration issues while also ensuring relevance to a broad audience of varied experiential backgrounds.

According to Steamtown Superintendent Kip Hagen, this latest action is related to an extensive five-year strategic planning initiative. He said, “Above all, we are committed to creating an authentic experience that will meet the needs and expectations of a diverse visiting public. Therefore, it is clearly necessary that we personalize and humanize these stories.” Commenting on other programs and activities, Mr. Hagen noted that the Site will conduct Locomotive and Restoration Shop tours and Living History programs as in years past. However, schedules will vary throughout the season and visitors are advised to confirm availability prior to arrival.

Steamtown, located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. From I-81, follow exit 185 (Central Scranton Expressway); then, follow the signs past the Mall at Steamtown to the main entrance at Lackawanna and Cliff Avenues. Additional details and information may be obtained by calling (570) 340-5203 or toll free (888) 693-9391, or by visiting the Steamtown web site at www.nps.gov/stea.

EditorÂ’s Note: Digital images, slides and photos are available upon request.

rdavis@rypn.org

Hello All

There is going to be alot to see and do up here in Scranton this year. 2003 is really a key year for Steamtown in alot of ways. The outcome of the programs and special excursions this year will determine what happens in the future. If you were ever thinking of making a trip up this way, this is the year to do it if you catch my drift....

Dave Crosby

bing@epix.net

Sounds like an interesting series of programs!
BTW: is there anybody out there interested in setting up a blacksmith shop ... drop me an e-mail if you are. (I am in northern Ohio)



lamontdc@adelphia.net

Steamtown is true high class program especially with these exciting programs they plan. Ill never forget the summer of 98 I stayed a week there at NRHS Railcamp. What an expierence. The Steamtown people were some of the niciest people you will ever meet. Truly top of the line.

firedog10fdm@yahoo.com

Zac,

I agree with your response. NRHS Railcamp is worth it for any teenager who likes steam locomotives, rail operations, and just trains in general. I attended last year and I can say that it was one of the best weeks of my life. One of the greatest parts of camp was just hanging out with people whom you can relate to best. It is well worth the cost that it takes to attend.

Like I said, its awesome.

Hayes S.

P.S. Have any of you checked out the new article on Railcamp in Railfan and Railroad? I haven't read it, but my roomate told me that it was great. Just curious.

crzhaze@rrmail.com