Autumn leaf train rides set

Published 6:41 am Thursday, September 8, 2016

The Autumn Leaf Rambler train will offer three- and-a-half hour round trip, nostalgic journeys through the rolling hills and deep forest of rural Buckingham County in October.

According to a press release, all trips depart from the Buckingham Branch Railroad Station, 1043 Main St., Dillwyn. The trips are scheduled for Saturdays, Oct. 8, 15 and 22. The morning “A” trips leave at 9:30 a.m. and return at 1 p.m. Afternoon “B” trips leave at 1:30 p.m. and return at 5 p.m. Fares are $30 for adults and $18 for children 2-12. Children under 2 not occupying a seat ride free.

Picnic lunches are welcome; sandwiches, snacks and beverages will also be available on the train. Thre are both open-air sightseeing cars as well as reclining seat coaches. Each trip also features a unique view of the James River.

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Each trip will also feature a special appearance by the Tom Mix Rangers, reliving the Old West.

Train rides will also be offered at Christmas time. The 45-minute trips — during which Santa will pass through the seasonally decorated train with complimentary treats for children — will be available Dec. 3 and 10. Trips leave Dillwyn at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., and 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

Purchasing advanced tickets is strongly recommended through www.odcnrhs.com or by mail at Old Dominion Chapter, NRHS, P.O. Box 3131, Chester, VA 23831. Call (804) 231-4324 and leave message.

Net proceeds of these trips help fund the railroad preservation and museum projects of the Old Dominion Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, Inc., a voluntary, non-profit Virginia educational organization.