Asia Air Flights - Austin Steam Trains - History Comes to Life

Several railway companies began work on constructing a rail system to serve the needs of the growing Texas population, and once Texas attained statehood, improving transportation by building a railroad system seemed a logical choice. The government of the newly-formed Republic of Texas sought to encourage investment, when war with Mexico ended. Steam trains are an important part of Texas's proud history.

The conductor allowed travelers to disembark and take a ferry across rather than brave crossing the bridge on board the train, for example, at the dangerous bridge crossing the Brazos river, so did the risk to passengers; as the rail system expanded. This gave the company the distinction of being both the first railroad in Texas and the second railroad west of the Mississippi. A distance of about twenty miles, and Colorado Railway began offering rail service between Harrisburg and Stafford, brazos, the Buffalo Bayou, in 1853.

The Southern Pacific Railroad opted to use ox-drawn rail carts to transport goods on the newly-laid rails, rather than wait for the locomotive to arrive. The Southern Pacific Railroad was required by written agreement to provide rail service between these two cities, in order to retain its state charter, however. The steam locomotive intended to run the line had not yet arrived, when this route was first completed in 1858. Texas, due east of Dallas, to Marshall, near San Antonio, the Southern Pacific Railroad agreed to begin construction on a line running from Caddo.

This first steam train line was the beginning of the intricate system that connected Austin with the rest of Texas and the United States. And the first railroad into Austin was completed by the Houston and Texas Central Railroad company in 1871, the need for swift transportation increased substantially, when Austin was named the capital city of Texas. The train system was essential to move goods transported on the Colorado River to inland destinations, in Austin.

The train association is using a diesel-powered Alco Diesel 442 locomotive to pull its vintage passenger cars, while it is currently being restored to working condition. Was manufactured in New York in August 1916, the Southern Pacific 786, the original steam engine. Recreating the historical experience of traveling through rural Texas by train, the Austin Steam Train Association offers three-hour train rides every Saturday. But you can still experience the history and adventure of riding the rails on an old fashioned steam train. Steam trains no longer grace the old railroad lines, today.

The Boonesborough Lounge offers privacy and luxury for your special occasion, if you are interested in chartering a car. And other amenities for less adventurous travelers, heat, the Excursion Class and First Class Pullman Lounge cars offer air conditioning. The windows can be opened for better ventilation and natural cooling in summer, of course. But lack the modern amenities of air conditioning and heating, the Coach service comes closest to the original rail experience. From Coach to First Class Pullman Lounge, the train's classic passenger cars offer three different levels of service. Stopping along the way at the 1912 Bertram train depot, and winds its way through historic Texas Hill Country, texas, a suburb of Austin, the journey begins in Cedar Park.

Making Texas history come to life for railway enthusiasts and tourists alike, the Austin Steam Train Association offers riders the chance to travel back in time. But tickets are usually available for purchase at the boarding area on the day of your journey as well, reservations are recommended.