The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad is making history this month with a series of weekend rides on a disappearing piece of America’s past.
Flagg Coal Co. 45 chugged its way from a makeshift station set up beside Brazenhead Irish Pub, 5650 Tylersville Road, today, July 1, to a spot just east of Butler-Warren Road. The 45-minute journey marked the first time in nearly 60 years that a steam-powered locomotive departed from Mason.
Conductor Jim Carson said it is extremely rare to have a steam locomotive running on local tracks.
“There are tourist railroads that have steam locomotives but there are not many and not around here,” Carson said. “We’ve very fortunate to have Flagg Coal Co. 45 here...to introduce the public to living history.”
The “All Steamed Up” ride is scheduled to depart at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturdays July 4 and 11 and at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m Sundays July 5, 12 and 19.
“All Steamed Up” also leaves the “station” at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. July 19.
Boarding occurs 15 minutes before departure. The ride costs $17 for adults and $12 for children ages 2 to 12.
On July 18 and 19, LM&M will offer a special Steam Engine Ride with Civil War Living History at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. July 18 and 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. July 19.
That ride costs $18 for adults and $13 for children ages 2 to 12.
An open-air car positioned behind the locomotive allows riders to view the fireman working on the coal engine. Passengers riding the first open-air car are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing, as they may come into contact with water and soot from the stack deposit.
For more information, call (513) 933-8022, ext. 101, visit www.LebanonRR.com or write to info@lebanonRR.com.
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8:01 PM, 7/1/2009