Northern Central Railway of York facts for kids
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| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | New Freedom, Pennsylvania |
| Reporting mark | NCRA |
| Locale | York County, Pennsylvania |
| Dates of operation | June 2013–present |
| Technical | |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
| Length | 10 mi (16 km) |
The Northern Central Railway of York is a special train line in New Freedom, Pennsylvania. It's a non-profit group that runs old-fashioned trains. These trains travel on 10 miles of track, just like trains did during the American Civil War.
The railway uses a copy of an old steam locomotive called York. It carries passengers between New Freedom and Hanover Junction, Pennsylvania. This train ride helps people learn about history. The railway first opened on June 1, 2013, and was called Steam into History. In 2019, it changed its name to the Northern Central Railway.
Contents
Why the Northern Central Railway Is Important
The original Northern Central Railway was very important during the American Civil War. It was a key route between Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Baltimore, Maryland. This railway helped move Union soldiers and supplies quickly.
Because it was so important, Confederate troops tried to destroy parts of the railway. This happened in June 1863, when Robert E. Lee's army moved north. They broke railroad bridges, train cars, and telegraph lines.
After the Battle of Gettysburg, the railway helped transport wounded soldiers. They were taken to hospitals in York, Baltimore, and Harrisburg. A few months later, President Abraham Lincoln used this railway. He traveled to Gettysburg to honor the soldiers at the National Cemetery. There, he gave his famous speech.
President Lincoln and his group boarded their train in Baltimore. They traveled north on the Northern Central tracks to Hanover Junction. There, they switched trains to continue their journey west. The old train station at Hanover Junction, where Lincoln changed trains, is still standing today. It is a recognized historic place. The area around it still looks much like it did during Lincoln's time.
What the Railway Does Today
The Northern Central Railway of York offers fun train trips. One trip is a 2.5-hour round trip from New Freedom to Hanover Junction. At Hanover Junction, you can explore the museum inside the old depot.
There's also a shorter, one-hour trip. This ride goes from New Freedom to Glen Rock and back.
The main train is pulled by a steam locomotive named York. It's a detailed copy of a typical American Standard engine from the 1800s. York was built between 2010 and 2013. Its design is based on famous old locomotives like the Union Pacific No. 119.
The Northern Central train usually has three passenger cars. One of these cars can be turned into an open-air car in summer and fall. During each trip, people dressed in old-fashioned clothes share stories. They explain how important the railway and nearby towns were during the Civil War.
The railway also hosts special events throughout the year. These can include music and historical reenactments. These events help bring the history of the railroad to life.
Train Equipment
Locomotives (Engines)
| Number | Type | Power | Builder | Built | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 4-4-0 | Steam | Kloke Loco Works LLC. | 2013 | This engine, York, was custom-built for the railway. It looks like old wood-burning engines but uses oil for fuel. |
| 32 | GE 80 Tonner | Diesel | GE | 1952 | This diesel engine was originally built for the US Army. The Northern Central Railway got it in September 2024. |
| 6076 | GP9 | Diesel | EMD | 1957 | This diesel engine was first built for the Pennsylvania Railroad. |
| 7580 | GP10 | Diesel | EMD | 1957 | This diesel engine was also built for the Pennsylvania Railroad. It is currently leased. |
| 336A | 0-4-0 | Steam | Societe Anonyme de St. Leonard | 1877 | This old steam engine was used in Belgium for many years. It is currently being fixed up to run again. |
Current Passenger Cars
- Coach 150: A regular passenger car.
- Combine 840: A car that combines passenger seating with a baggage area.
- "Four Seasons Car" 127: This car can be changed from a regular coach to an open-air car.
- Flat Car: This car might be turned into another open-air car soon.
Past Passenger Cars
- No. 10: A 1946 GE 44 Ton Locomotive, which was borrowed.
- Coach 702: A passenger car that was borrowed.
- Coach 213: Another passenger car that was borrowed.
- Open Air Car 101: An open-air car that was borrowed.
These borrowed cars were used when the railway first opened in 2013, before their own cars were ready.
See also
- List of heritage railroads in the United States
- List of Pennsylvania railroads
- Northern Central Railway
- Hanover Junction, Hanover and Gettysburg Railroad
