Man behind the ‘Mogul’ NEWSWIRE

DUNCANSVILLE, Pa. — Pennsylvania’s Everett Railroad recent startup of steam-hauled excursion service, the nation’s newest, features a handsome 1920 Alco 2-6-0 Mogul-type on the head end. Everett president Alan Maples spoke with Trains about the new venture.

Trains: How are things going so far?
Alan Maples: The first trips all went very well. We’ve been very pleased with the turnout and the performance of the equipment. The mechanical and operational aspects went quite well. We have a punch list of small things we need to do, such as landscaping at our station, and some final details on the engine and cars.

TRN: What has been the reception of the public and railfans?
AM: It’s been very positive. A number of people sought me out personally to thank me. One woman was nearly in tears. Her father had worked 45 years for the Pennsylvania Railroad, she told me, and she was just so happy to see a steam engine running. The mayor of Hollidaysburg [where passengers board from a newly-built station] sought me out to thank me for bringing this to his town. We’ve seen many good comments on our Facebook page.

TRN: Have there been any surprises?
AM: There have been no real surprises. We really didn’t know what to expect. We didn’t do any real advertising, yet the first runs were all sold out in advance. Word was spread through social media. I think we offer a good product.

TRN: Tell us about the ride.
AM: We run from Hollidaysburg to Brookes Mills. It’s about 6 miles, so it’s a 12-mile round trip. Next year we may run to Roaring Spring, where the station has been restored by the historical society. We’ve done some diesel trips to Roaring Spring, where people can get off and have ice cream with the historical society. That’s an 18-mile round trip.

TRN: What do you have planned going forward?
AM: We really haven’t pinpointed what we’ll do next year. It won’t be an every weekend operation. We want to focus on family-oriented special events. There will be some railfan events as well.

On Nov. 7, Maples says, three “non-event” trips will run to Brookes Mills, departing Hollidaysburg at 11 a.m. and at 1 and 3 p.m.. Starting on No. 27, Santa special trains will operate each weekend through Dec. 20. All trains on Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13 have already sold out. More information on the trips is available by visiting the railroad’s website.