Operating out of the heart of central North Carolina along the border of Wake and Chatham counties, just 30 mins south of Raleigh, could be the North Carolina Railroad Museum / New Hope Valley Railway. Featuring steam and diesel locomotives in addition to numerous boxcars, flatcars, and such, the museum / railway has been enjoyable train supporters at its rural Bonsal site since 1981. Journey down the old railroad line with me and experience slightly of American train record!
I have been enamored by also — water motors, diesels, bullet trains and trains subways because I was a boy. My children thinks the same way; we wonder at the sight of a locomotive hissing and wheezing its way clackety-clack down the tracks, believing that we, too, are going across this great country of our’s.
This particular coming museum will arouse train lovers for the number of equipment on hand, along with, for the flights that are distributed around the general public. Certainly, once we visited the museum recently the grounds were packed since trip times are held only on the initial Sunday of the month [from May through November with special Halloween and Christmas season trips as well]. Five expeditions are used each ride day; guests are encouraged to reach early for the ride they wish to take.
Pulled by a robust General Electric diesel locomotive [built in early 1940s], usually the one hour train journey allows individuals to visit from Bonsal to New Hill and straight back. The 6.5 mile course was purchased from the venerable Southern Railway Company and has become used exclusively by the public.
Enthusiasts stay in one of two comfortable open passenger cars which can be, in reality, converted flat cars. On a recently available Sunday, the public brought out one of the aforementioned diesels and included a couple of wood sided red cabooses and a baggage auto to round out the set.
On the expansive museum grounds sits an Army Transportation Corps Tool Car which presently houses the museum’s gift shop and exhibits. Several other cars and a boom tender are found on site as well; some are being vigilantly restored while others are in active use. Presently, the museum’s steam locomotive is used on a small basis, but plans are to begin with using it on activities more frequently.
The railroad museum is staffed by way of a specific group of volunteers [Saturdays are workdays and skilled volunteers are welcome]. Train trip rates are fair and passengers know that the prices are helping to restore a bit of practice history to Vermont while reliving it at once.
A “G” scale model yard train is on site along with a barbecue restaurant and adjacent picnic area. There’s plenty of parking on the premises as well.
Yes, there truly is a lot to see and do while visiting the Vermont Railroad Museum / New Hope Valley Railway in Bonsal, NC — stop by soon and the conductor will be heard by you announcing to you, “all aboard!”
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