Elizabethtown, PA: The Stone Gables Estate, Iron Stone Ranch & Star Barn Village sit on approx. 280 acres here in E-Town. One side of the property borders former PENN RR mainline running from Harrisburg to Phily. The original railroad here was the Harrisburg, Portsmouth, Mt. Joy & Lancaster, (Portsmouth now Middletown). This line was built in the late 1830s, by the 1850s it became a part of the PENN RR, the track through E-Town were removed in 1903 and the ROW had been used as a trail. Little over half a mile of this ROW runs through the present property, and has been used as a horse/wagon/carriage trail. TRAILS to RAILS began this March, installing 3100ft of track back on the original ROW, phase two will include constructing another 2.5 miles of track to include a wooden arm strong turntable, working wooden water tower, 350ft open deck wooden trestle and a 90ft covered bridge that the train will pass through and harp switch stands. Dave Kloke sold his No.63, the Leviathan and his replica of the rail car United States, used as Lincoln's funeral coach. Kloke is building a combine and two coaches for us. The first coach being delivered April 12th. Photo seen here is an 1938 ariel view, clearly seen is the ROW making a big S curve through the property. PENN RR mainline at bottom, right corner is the present Amtrak station, Harrisburg to the left, Lancaster to the right. Hwy 230 seen middle top, in-between is the former H,P,Mt.J & L running thru the Iron Stone Ranch.

TRAILS to RAILS! Seen here a few track laying progress photos. No plans to be a regular scheduled "tourist railroad" operation. The train will be used for special events and limited operations.

Kershaw ballast regulator is on the property.

Is this a volunteer org or a for-profit thing?

Oddly, a hybrid:

It appears to be a for-profit run to benefit a non-profit, or a non-profit being run in a majorly for-profit fashion.

https://stonegablesestate.com/

https://stonegablesestate.com/current-projects/

I have been informed that the site WILL hold certain public events/open houses where one can gain admission to see and ride the train as well as see the rest of the property, much like, say Old Sturbridge Village or Greenfield Village, but other times will be private events (weddings, conferences, etc.). Think like Age of Steam Roundhouse......

Yes, all the net profit from the Stone Gables Eatate, Iron Stone Ranch and Star Barn Village goes to the non-profit Brittiney’s Hope. The owners take nothing from the place. It has become one of the top wedding venues. We will be open to the public once a month and for other special events open to the public. We do not see ourselves competing with other tourist railroad operations. Dave Kloke is building us a combine and two day coaches, besides having the United States Funeral Car and the Leviathan.

Looks like an interesting railroad operation and an eclectic property overall. I wish everybody involved the best.

Well, for some folks, anyway...

Just tying some threads together.

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Great to see such quick progress. I don't see this ever being competition with other tourist railroads in the area, rather it should be another great reason for railfans to come visit and see something new while also seeing old favorites.

I'm glad to see the Leviathan go to a neat home such as this.

Henry Ford / Greenfield Village is a non-profit. As is TVRM. As are many large tourist attractions such as zoos and aquariums. Being run as a business is a good thing.

Another correction, the site has already held public events and has events scheduled for this year. Check out their website! Very cool operation.

Trying to keep things together.

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The folks from the Star Barn Village have posted a short video on their Facebook Page of their Lincoln Funeral Train consist running on their newly laid track. Beautiful train. When they get it decked out with the black bunting etc., it will be quite a sight.

https://www.facebook.com/TheStarBarn/videos/640605189725591/

/Kevin Madore

Cool. Now, when the grass and weeds grow over that ballast to the tie ends, it will look just right.