New Hope Valley Railway Double-Headed Thunder!

 Bonsal, NC - 15 October 2007 - The New Hope Valley Railway (NHV) will operate TWO tank engines (steam locomotives) on its public trains during the month of November.  This is a method of operation sometimes used by railroads in the days when steam locomotives ruled the rails, but not done in this area for at least fifty to seventy years.  The special double-headed trains will run on four days to allow the public to experience the rumble and roar of yesteryear in a manner not before possible.  These very special trains will operate on Saturday and Sunday, the first two weekends of November.
                “This is an event rarely seen anywhere in the country now,” said Michael S. MacLean, head of the steam locomotive program at the New Hope Valley Railway.  “Steam locomotives are at the core of the heritage of railroading, and to recreate the way things were, even in a small way, is thrilling.”
                The operation of two tank engines in this manner is bound to draw many riders, so to ensure space for everyone, the New Hope Valley Railway will operate the steam double-headers over two consecutive weekends.  Operations will be held on 3, 4, 10, and 11 November 2007, with trains departing the Bonsal Depot on the regular schedule at 11:00AM, 12:15PM, 1:30PM, 2:45PM, and 4:00PM each operating day.  Tickets for this special event will be available to the public at the ticket office in Bonsal, NC (just south of Apex, NC) the day of the ride at a cost of $10 for adults and $6 for children.
                The two tank engines will be operated in tandem to pull the New Hope Valley Railway passenger trains on those operating days, providing a unique experience for all riders.  Much of the thrill of a steam locomotive comes from the sound of the pistons working to pull the load, and two operating together in this manner beat a rhythmic counterpoint to each other, making the ride just that much more exciting for all on board.
                The New Hope Valley Railway operates regularly the first Sunday of each month from May through November, and both Saturday and Sunday the first two weekends in December, with each train operating a round trip of nine miles through Chatham and Wake counties.  The ticket office opens at 10:00AM, and trains depart the depot at 11:00AM, 12:15PM, 1:30PM, 2:45PM, and 4:00PM.  Visitors are encouraged to visit our website (www.nhvry.org) for further information, schedules, and detailed directions to the facility.  Alternatively, the may call +1-919-362-5416 to speak with the yardmaster on duty.
 
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About the East Carolina Chapter NRHS:
                The East Carolina Chapter NRHS is a non-profit [501(c)(3)] organization dedicated to the preservation of the history and heritage of North Carolina.  This is accomplished through the operation of the North Carolina Railroad Museum at Bonsal, NC, an operating museum, running the New Hope Valley Railway with both diesel and steam locomotives.  The organization maintains no paid staff, with all operations conducted by member volunteers, giving their time and effort in a skilled and professional manner.  Please visit our website (www.nhvry.org) or call +1-919-362-5416 for further information.