Steamtown?

[Cooped]

Just want to get an opinion of someone who's been to Steamtown. We live in Southern New Jersey and go to the Strasburg railroad a few times a year. I was thinking about taking my son ot Steamtown this coming Sunday. Obviously the Big Boy would be a big plus, just wondering how the rest of it compares with Strasburg. Do they have a model store there?

Thanks
Dan

[richg]

I spent about three hours at Steamtown but it was on a cloudy day the end of December a couple years ago while on the way to Key West, FL.
I was able to walk through the yard will no problems even with a 2-8-2 pulling a couple passenger cars.
Right in front of a 0-4-0 which is in front of the Big Boy is a turnout with Catenary that connects to a trolley line.

http://s98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/richg1998/?action=view&current=mvi_0456.flv




I have been to Strasburg but in the early fall so hard to compare.

Rich

[ebtbob]

Dan,

      Steamtown is worth at least one visit.   You can see several engines out in the parking lot including the Big Boy,   a Grand Trunk Western 4-8-2,  a Reading T-1,  4-8-4,  and a 2-8-0.    There is also a trolley ride at the far side of the parking lot.
      Steamtown does not have all the stores on the property like Strasburg does,  but a walkway takes you up over the yard to a shopping mall in downtown Scranton.
       Steamtown tries to present the visitor with a feel for what railroading was and is like including an opportunity to go into the shops where they work on engines.   There is an overhead viewing walkway in the shops to give you a unique view.
       One cannot really compare Strasburg and Steamtwon due to the fact that Strasburg is in the middle of a "tourist trap" area with several museums and trains constantly running.
        I have been into the Steamtown museum several times and always enjoy my visits.

[ebtnut]

I'll echo Bob's comments - Steamtown is a museum of railroading, while Strasburg is a tourist railroad.  At Strasburg, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is across the road, where there is lots of nice equipment stuffed and mounted.  The normal ride at Steamtown is quite short, just from the yard area up just past the former DL&W station (now a hotel).  They occasionally run longer trips up to Moscow or Pocono Summit, and those are worth the time and effort.  There is a smallish gift shop right near the entrance from the parking lot.  If you do visit and have the time, I do recommend the trolley ride. It runs mostly on the former L&WV interurban right-of-way, including a mile-long tunnel. 

[Terry Toenges]

Here are a few pics from Steamtown. It was worth the visit to me.
http://www.sarget.com/traintour/steamtown/traintour-pasteamtown.html

[richg]

Few more videos. Hope they work.

http://s98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/richg1998/?action=view&current=mvi_0421.flv

http://s98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/richg1998/?action=view&current=mvi_0458.flv

http://s98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/richg1998/?action=view&current=mvi_0473.flv

http://s98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/richg1998/?action=view&current=mvi_0481.flv

http://s98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/richg1998/?action=view&current=mvi_0433.flv

There is a gift store in part of the oil house with a tank car outside the house. Als a work train with crane nearby. Plenty to see.

Rich

[pdlethbridge]

This may add a few hours to the trip making it an overnighter, but a trip to horse shoe curve and the east broad top would be well worth it. the EBT has a large and old and 1 of a kind shop for engine repairs. There is a trolley museum and they have rides available behind steam, in trolleys and on speeders.

[ebtbob]

Remember,  a trip to the EBT needs to be on a Saturday or Sunday as that is the only two days of the week they run the trains and speeder rides.   The trolleys,  I think,  run other days of the week.

[Cooped]

Thanks everyone. Think I'm leaning towards Strasburg. Want a nice day out for my son who's 5 and I'm thinking that he would probably enjoy Strasburg more, plus it's only a total of 3 hours in the car rather than up to 6. Definately will do Steamtown one day though, maybe try and get one of their excursions.
Dan

[ebtbob]

Now knowing that your son is so young,  I think the Strasburg decisions is absolutely the best choice!!

[ebtnut]

I agree.  With a 5-year old, the cacaphony of Strasburg with the train ride, the crank-it train for kids, etc., is the better option for short attention spans.  Steamtown is better when he's about 10 or so.

[Johnson Bar Jeff]

I agree.  With a 5-year old, the cacaphony of Strasburg with the train ride, the crank-it train for kids, etc., is the better option for short attention spans.  Steamtown is better when he's about 10 or so.

And I understand that a couple times a year, Thomas comes to visit Strasburg. 

[richg]

I agree.  With a 5-year old, the cacaphony of Strasburg with the train ride, the crank-it train for kids, etc., is the better option for short attention spans.  Steamtown is better when he's about 10 or so.

And I understand that a couple times a year, Thomas comes to visit Strasburg.  

I just love Google. Did a quick search for Strasburg Thomas. Have fun.

http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/day-out-with-thomas.php

I also searched You Tube for Strasburg PA Thomas. Have more fun. Turn up the speakers.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Strasburg+PA+thomas&aq=f

It is quite surprising what you can find for all kinds of railroading on You Tube.

Rich

[Joe323]

Theres lots to do in Strasbourg for a young railfan. 

Start by visiting the Choo Choo barn a large model RR layout.  While you are there go to the hobby shop next door and buy a commemorative boxcar for your layout.

By all means take the trip on Strasbourg RR however skip the dinning car the food is not worth the price. You can also skip the A/C car  we found the regular coaches quite comfortable.

Buy a combo ticket with the Pennsylvania RR museum across the street but go the next day as your son will probably be tired out after the train ride.   Then consider going to the National Toy Train Museum.

We opted not to stay at the Red Caboose Motel (I think that was the name) but if you stay there you will sleep in a real caboose.  We happened to like the Best Western on the outskirts of Lancaster which has both an outdoor and indoor pool with a hot tub. 

There are a few non rail things of interest.  First you are in Amish County so you might want to visit one of their farms that offer buggy rides. Next there is Dutch Wonderland a local amusement park and finally there is the National Christmas Museum a sort of nostalgic look back at the Christmases I never had but my Fiance' did.

Have fun.

Joe

[MB425]

If steam is important, your best bet is Strasburg. Steam really isn't a guarantee at Steamtown.

If you spend the night, DO NOT spend the night at the Caboose Motel. (Consider this a fair warning!)