Faremax: Travel Forums

I've always wanted to take a long journey on a Steam train, just for the fun of it. I find steam engines fascinating.

The problem is I only know of a couple of short journeys offered in the UK. I gather there is a steam route in the Netherlands that runs at certain times of year, so might look into that a bit more.

Does anyone know of any other steam train routes? I'd really appreciate any suggestions!

The only one that I know of is the Devil's Bridge to Aberystwyth route in Wales. This is truly a GORGEOUS run! Have you considered that?

What is a steam train and what makes it so different than a regular train?

I've seen steam trains in movies but not in real life. It's good to hear the sound of steam whistles. Anyone interested of excursion? Why not try Austin Steam Train? Check it out! 

http://www.austinsteamtrain.org/

Steam trains are run by steam :P Many trains now are electric, and so steam is becoming rare. Steam trains use coal to heat water, and then the steam runs the engine. They are a lost art, and many engines are exceedingly beautiful, having been maintained as tourist attractions.

I think it's a good idea to post a picture of steam trains in this board. For those who have'nt travelled by steam trains, take a look at this picture.

Why not. This is the Vale of Rheidol website for the narrow gauge steam train that runs from Devil's Bridge to Aberystwyth (where I used to live). The narrow gauge is a special train, running on narrower tracks than a normal train which allows it to run in the hills and mountains of Wales far easier, as the terrain calls for many sharp turns that a normal rail couldn't handle.

http://www.rheidolrailway.co.uk/ is the site.

http://users.aber.ac.uk/scty76/mvi_1072.avi
http://users.aber.ac.uk/scty76/mvi_1074.avi  is a video clip taken from the train, and shows you the sort of terrain it tackles, and also maybe you can hear the difference from a normal train engine sound. It does the whole chug chug as it goes down the track.

More pics and history here; http://www.cardiganshirecoastandcountry.com/rheidol.htm

Some folks with the engine;


This is a beautiful trip through some of the most stunning countryside in the world. Just my opinion, and of course I am biased.

Well, here in Canada there are a variety of steam train venues that can be riden on.  There are ones that show the edge of the beautiful Niagara escarpment or if a more oceanic view is more to your liking. there are trips along the Eastern Coast of Canada.  Or if mountains are your thing, the Western coast is more up your alley.

Trains have been around in Canada for about 125 years and is an exciting and nostalic way to see the great country of Canada.

I've been on steam trains before, in Switzerland, 10 years ago. I just love to get out on the platform and hear the sound of the whistle and the wheels turning. They may be slower, but there's something more fascinating about it. The modern trains are fast and convenient, but there's nothing particularly interesting about the appearance or sound.

I think there's an interesting schedule for a train in Ontario that runs in the fall, so the changing colours of the leaves would be very scenic. I think that route may be the one involving the Niagara escarpment that was mentioned above.

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http://this-twisted-history.blogspot.com/