Railroad Museum of New England profile

The Naugatuck Railroad provides freight service and operates the passenger trains of its parent organization, the Railroad Museum of New England.

Closely following the railroad’s namesake river, today’s Naugatuck Railroad runs on 19.6 miles of the former New Haven Railroad between Waterbury and Torrington, a line built by the original Naugatuck in 1849. The current company provides freight service and operates the passenger trains of its parent organization, the Railroad Museum of New England.

Choices

Most trains operate between the Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston and Waterville and depart the Thomaston station using 1920 heavyweight coaches. A first-class car with lounge seating is available on most trains. You will cross two trestles over the Naugatuck River, see century-old New England brass mills, and roll high across the face of the giant Thomaston Dam. Service also is offered to and from the north end of the line at Torrington. Operating locomotives include two Naugatuck Railroad EMD GP9s and RMNE’s EMD FL9 New Haven No. 2019, built in 1960.

When to go

Excursions run on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day through October. Fall colors peak in early- to mid-October, and this is the most popular time to ride the Naugatuck’s trains. Easter Bunny Express trains run the weekend and the Saturday before Easter. Northern Lights Limited and Santa Express trains operate weekends from late November through December. Specialty trains, including wine and bourbon tasting, BBQ, and Chocolate Decadence Tour trains, run throughout the year.

Good to know

Built in 1881 by the original Naugatuck Railroad, the brick Thomaston station is well along on its way to full restoration. It is today’s operational hub. Pieces from the museum’s extensive collection of historic New England railroad rolling stock are displayed on a track adjacent to the station.

Worth doing

Thomaston offers a pleasant New England downtown with historic mills, restaurants, and a picturesque opera house. Torrington has a thriving arts, culture, and dining scene. Nearby Litchfield has large 18th-century homes, shops, and restaurants.