Adding the California Zephyr Trainset to CVSR’s Fleet

Adding the California Zephyr Trainset to CVSR’s Fleet

The California Zephyr cars have safety made it to Chicago after their last journey across the west. For their weekend in Chicago on September 14-16 they will be on Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society’s Joliet Rocket excursion—where they will be pulled by Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765 for the first time. They will then make their way home to Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad being pulled behind steam engine no. 765; A truly spectacular sight to see.

The burning question is: what happens to the cars when they arrive in Cuyahoga Valley? CVSR is thrilled with our newest additions to our fleet. The acquisition of the trainset allows CVSR to create new programs for visitors of all ages and backgrounds as they experience the beauty and wonder of Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s river valley, canal, and historic villages. Through the end of 2018 the cars will be used for the following excursions:

Steam in the Valley | Silver Solarium and Silver Lariat

 The first opportunity for the public to ride in these train cars will be at Steam in the Valley on September 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30. Specifically, the Silver Lariat and Solarium will be the California Zephyr train cars available for passengers to ride. Climb aboard for this two-and-a-half hour round trip through the National Park with historic locomotive steam engine at the helm! Passengers will have the opportunity to deboard the train at a secure location for an exclusive photo opportunity of the steam engine and new California Zephyr cars. The Lariat and Solarium are both Vista Dome cars, giving passengers a 360 view of the steam billowing through the trees. Passengers might want to hold on tight as they’re transported back to 1950! CVSR encourages passengers to dress in ’40s and ’50s apparel. Tickets are still available for Steam in the Valley, click here for details

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Join us for a special excursion aboard the Silver Solarium on Steam in the Valley. This first-of-its style excursion with CVSR gives passengers an opportunity to sit in the historic Silver Solarium California Zephyr train car on the tail end of the NKP 756 Steam engine. On board, passengers receive complimentary bar and beverage service, as well as heavy appetizers, served family-style. This trip includes the photo opportunity and two-hour ride. Tickets can be found on the Steam in the Valley ticketing page, here.

Fall Flyer | Silver Lariat and Silver Rapids

After Steam in the Valley, the Silver Lariat and Silver Rapids will be available on the Fall Flyer excursion. The Fall Flyer gives passengers an opportunity to view the breathtaking scenery on a two-hour non-stop ride from a variety of seating options aboard heritage railcars. Watch the leaves change from the Lariat Vista Dome or a suite on the Silver Rapids. Silver Rapids suites combines two rooms together, creating a spacious area with two windows, and a capacity of four.  Fall Flyer excursions run on weekends in October, departing from Rockside Station on Saturdays and Akron Northside Station on Sunday. More information about the Fall Flyer here.

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THE POLAR EXPRESS™ | Silver Lariat, Silver Solarium and  Silver Rapids

Photo By Roger Mastroianni

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ train ride, presented by Countertop Solutions, returns this year at Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad from November 10 – December 21. Climb aboard and hear the sweet sound of the bell ringing, as it does for all who truly believe! First class seating in the Silver Lariat and Silver Solarium are available for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ departures out of Akron Northside Station. The Silver Rapids suites are a spacious area with two windows and a capacity for up to four people, only available for departures out of Rockside Station. Families will be able to travel to the North Pole in some of the finest cars CVSR has in its feet! THE POLAR EXPRESS™ train ride tickets are currently on sale for members. Visit the membership page to learn more about becoming a member. You must join at the Brakemen level or higher for early access. Tickets for the public go on sale Wednesday, October 3 at 9 a.m. Details about the train ride and ticket options here.

Special Event Excursions

Emerging Brews: Hoppin’ Frog | Silver Lariat
Departs from Akron Northside Station on October 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Ales on Rails™: BrewDog USA | Silver Lariat
Departs from Rockside Station on October 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Music on the Train | Silver Solarium
Departs from Rockside Station on October 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Mixology: Town Branch Distillery Sampling | Silver Lariat
Departs from Rockside Station on October 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Ales on Rails : Germany v. Belgium | Silver Lariat
Departs from Rockside Station on October 20 at 7:30 p.m.

View CVSR’s entire fleet on the Our Fleet web-page. Follow our FacebookTwitter and Instagram for updates and new events!

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Lynee Bixler