I am just planning out some trips for this spring and would like to visit the Essex Valley Railraod. I know next to nothing about the line, where does it start, where does it go, how long is it, is it easy to chase?
Has anyone ever done the engineer for an hour program? it seems pretty high priced, but is it worth it?

mstolzenfels@hotmail.com

> I am just planning out some trips for this
> spring and would like to visit the Essex
> Valley Railraod.

Go to "Google" and type in "essex steam train" and
you will get their web site with all the info you
need.
Richard

rh@vermontel.net

> I am just planning out some trips for this
> spring and would like to visit the Essex
> Valley Railraod. I know next to nothing
> about the line, where does it start, where
> does it go, how long is it,

The standard excursion starts at a very attractive depot and yard complex in Essex. CT and runs north about 6 miles to Deep River and a little beyond. It's an attractive route that crosses a lot of nice wetlands areas and then runs along the west bank of the Connecticut River.

is it easy to
> chase?

Not really. You can set up a number of nice shots in Essex and then there are some parallel roads in a built-up shopping area on the North side of town. After that the train strays mostly away from roads. There are lots of grade crossings you can set up at but I don't know how many opportunities you'd have to get back ahead of the train after your first shot.

> Has anyone ever done the engineer for an
> hour program? it seems pretty high priced,
> but is it worth it?

Can't comment on that, but I will say that Valley Railroad is one of the best, most professional operators in the east. If you want to see a meticulously maintianed branchline engine pulling and handsome heavyweight consist through attractive scenery they are not to be missed. They are good people in my book and deserve your patronage. You ought to consider taking the joint trian ride and riverboat crusise--the riverboat isn't steam, but it is a nice cruise with wonderful views, and it's neat to make a trian-to-boat transfer in this day and age.


eledbetter@rypn.org

This is one you should ride, for two reasons

1. It is a quality operation that merits the support of the railway preservation community.

2. As Eric said, the line is not easy to chase.

That having been said, take the Parlor Car. It's just $6.00 more than the regular fare, and IMHO well worth it for the experience. I rode the trip last August, did not take the parlor car, and regret it.

kevin.r.gillespie@verizon.net

Another thought on the connecting boat ride-if memory serves me correctly, I think you can take the boat to Gillette Castle State Park. This site was the home of a famous Victorian-era stage actor, who built a fascinating castle, and had a narrow-gauge railroad running on the grounds.

> Another thought on the connecting boat
> ride-if memory serves me correctly, I think
> you can take the boat to Gillette Castle
> State Park. This site was the home of a
> famous Victorian-era stage actor, who built
> a fascinating castle, and had a narrow-gauge
> railroad running on the grounds.
Its really not that bad to chase. BUT you must get a good map and scout it out before the train leaves. There are many good spots to see it but you can't do then all on one run. regards bb

In addition to what has already been said, the town of Essex is quite nice with a real old time New england feel to it.

And the boat ride is fun too.

Ted

ted_miles@nps.gov

> This is one you should ride, for two reasons

> 1. It is a quality operation that merits the
> support of the railway preservation
> community.

> 2. As Eric said, the line is not easy to
> chase.

> That having been said, take the Parlor Car.
> It's just $6.00 more than the regular fare,

> and IMHO well worth it for the experience. I
> rode the trip last August, did not take the
> parlor car, and regret it.

Not sure of the price, but if you are riding for the views, IMHO, it would be better to ride the open car. Instead of the windows, there are only a few bars across the window opening, and not a partially open able window.

Then again it is only a good option on a warm to hot summer day. After all there is no Air Conditioning on this ride.

Just my experience,

Rich


rcizik5519@earthlink.net

The Valley Railroad's "Your Hand on the Throttle" program has been going on for six(?) years now. We offer it in the Spring and Fall and attract about 60 customers to each session. We have many repeat customers, some of them take "double" sessions to get more time at the throttle. High priced? Well, yes it is, but the main reason we do it is to make money. Steam locomotives are rather expensive to maintain, this program helps keep them going. The spring 2004 session has a few weekday slots left.
J.David


jdconrad@snet.net