TrainFestival 2009

Release from Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society - October 7, 2008:

HISTORIC FORT WAYNE STEAM LOCOMOTIVE TO BE PART OF NATIONAL RAILROADING FESTIVAL                               

The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society is pleased to announce its partnership with the Steam Railroading Institute to bring historic Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765 to Owosso Michigan for TrainFestival 2009!

More than 30,000 visitors are expected to visit Owosso, Michigan for TrainFestival 2009. Owosso is home of the Steam Railroading Institute owner of sister locomotive, Pere Marquette no. 1225, which in 1991 joined no. 765 in an unforgettable excursion that saw both locomotives operating in tandem passenger excursion service in the New River, West Virginia. 1225 and 765 are two locomotives of the same “superpower” design as pioneered by the Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio. The “superpower” concept ushered in a era of breakthrough steam technology that emboldened the war effort and propelled the success of railroads around the country.

During the festival, the 765 will be on live-steam display with a variety of visiting equipment, and operate a day long passenger excursion on July 26th. The possibility of additional operations exists and details will be finalized in the coming months.

The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society is excited to share in the celebration and work in collaboration with our Michigan colleagues. TrainFestival 2009 will no doubt be a highlight of next year’s operations.

As always, keep an eye on www.765.org and visit www.trainfestival2009.com to purchase tickets and learn more about next summer’s exciting event!”

Get your tickets for TrainFestival 2009. Order by February 1, 2009 and get 10% all tickets. Tickets are available for event admission, hourly train rides and all-day steam excursions. Go to www.trainfestival2009.com/tickets to order yours today!

Officially the new website has been up for 1 week and we have had nearly 12,000 unique visitors to the site and more than 60,000 hits. This is a wonderful sign that everyone is ready for this great event.

We added an email list to the site today. Please sign up to that list. Those who sign up will receive the latest information first plus discounts on tickets, hotels and much more. All email addresses are used for TrainFestival use only and will not be sold or given to any other organization. This is a great way to comunicate with our friends and supporters.

Look for some exciting announcements here in the next month or so. We some big plans we are currently working on as well as some world class sponsors. It should be a great time. Mark your calendars now.

Jason Johnson
Chairman - TrainFestival 2009

Owosso, Mi- (8/8/08) – Coming July 24-26, 2009, the sounds of steam whistles, the clicky-clack of steel wheels on rails, the smell of coal smoke and excitement of children of all ages will take over the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan. This quaint American Town is located in the central region of Michigan just outside of Lansing. All the charm of Owosso will welcome tens of thousands of visitors from all over North America and other regions of the world to TrainFestival 2009. The theme of the weekend will be Trains, Trains, Trains!

The Steam Railroading Institute has an award winning collection of railroad equipment and railroad artifacts. The museum is an interpretive experience for visitors of all ages. During the weekend of July 24-27, 2009, visitors to the museum will experience an even greater museum. Steam and Diesel Locomotives from around the country will be on display for visitors to tour the cabs, take photos, watch demonstrations and much more. Huge model train layouts will be on display including a massive all-Lego model train. Railroad vendors from around the globe will have unique items for purchase that you won’t find any where else. Families will be able to take an all day excursion or shorter one-hour train ride behind various vintage locomotives. For the thrill seeking visitor, you will even be able to pull the throttle and blow the whistle on one of these steam locomotives. Scaled down miniature trains will be hauling passengers around the grounds of the event as well.

TrainFestival 2009 will allow visitors of all ages to experience railroading at its best. With an expected attendance of 30,000+ for the three day festival, the Steam Railroading Institute will be buzzing with railroad excitement.

Railroad equipment is currently being arranged. As soon as a final list of equipment attending the event and a schedule is finalized, it will be posted on the event website at www.trainfestival2009.com.  The website will be interactive including a web blog, forums, video and much more.

For more information contact:

Steam Railroading Institute

405 South Washington Street

Owosso, MI 48867
(989) 725-9464

www.michigansteamtrain.com

www.trainfestival2009.com