Troops and Trains 2008
Celebrating our military and the trains they rode on!
 Trains & Troops is the Museum's annual tribute to the U. S. Armed Forces, American railroads and all those who served, and are serving, overseas and on the home front in defense of our nation. In recognition of our continued support, we proudly present this year's expanded event.
"Taking the Swing Train '40s Dance" Saturday, November 8, 2008, 7 - 10PM. Details.
Special Troop Trains on Strasburg Rail Road. Details. |
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Railroads built our nation and came to her defense during times of war, both on the home front and overseas. During Trains & Troops, you’ll:
- Greet our guys and gals in uniform, including veterans, re-enactors, civilians and railroaders from the Civil War forward.
- See a fascinating array of military and military railroad service-related posters, uniforms, equipment, field gear, maps, books and photographs on display from participating exhibitors, as well as from the Railroad Museum's archival collection.
- Join a salute to American military veterans.
- Enjoy an optional ride on the Strasburg Rail Road, with living history reenactors.
| Main Events: (Details from 2007) |
| Saturday: |
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11:00 AM. The Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard, accompanied by the Lampeter-Strasburg Community Band, will present the colors as a salute to veterans during Trains & Troops in the Railroad Museum’s Rolling Stock Hall |
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11:05 AM to 1:00 PM. The Lampeter-Strasburg Community Band will then perform a repertoire of Americana and patriotic music in the Rolling Stock Hall. |
| Sunday: |
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1:00 PM. The salute to veterans will take place with the color guard, accompanied by the Lancaster Trombone Quartet. |
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1:05 PM to 2:30 PM. The Lancaster Trombone Quartet will perform. |
| All Day, Both Days:. |
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During Trains & Troops, a fascinating array of military and military railroad service-related posters, uniforms, equipment, jeeps, field gear, maps, books, photographs and memorabilia will be on display from participating exhibitors, as well as from the Railroad Museum’s archives.
Railroad Museum visitors will encounter first-person military and civilian living history re-enactors from various eras in our nation’s history, from the Civil War forward. An overnight encampment of assorted military units will take place on the Museum’s front lawn. Museum staff and volunteers will be on hand to point out the historical importance of the railroads. Uncle Sam will be on hand in the Railroad Museum on Saturday. Trains & Troops exhibitors, activities and times may be subject to change without notice.
Be sure to ride the troop trains on the Strasburg Rail Road, along with railroaders and military re-enactors, operating on Saturday at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, same on Sunday except no 3:30 train. The special train will be comprised of a Strasburg Rail Road historic steam locomotive, a boxcar, a military flatcar from the Railroad Museum’s collection, two coaches and a caboose. Tickets for troop trains are purchased separately at the Strasburg Rail Road’s ticket office, by phone at 717 687-7522, or on line at www.strasburgrailroad.com and cost $14.00 per person for ages 12 and over, $9.00 per person for ages 3 to 11 and $3.00 per person for ages under 3.. While in Strasburg, Trains & Troops visitors also should plan to explore the National Toy Train Museum and the ChooChoo Barn. |
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Individuals and groups currently scheduled to participate include the:
30th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company E
American Merchant Marine Vets of WWII
Homefront Memories
Kilroy’s Homefront Commandos
U. S. Army Air Corps
51st Engineer Combat Brigade
The Blue Jackets
Traveling Soldiers
30th Infantry Division, WWII
The U.S. Soldier, Korean War
VF-11 SunDowners
Military and Civilians of 1st Pennsylvania Reserves, Company B
U. S. Coast Guard, WWII
Victory Society
Reflections of World War II
World War II Homefront
As You Were (Men)!
Capital Wing of the Airman’s Preservation Society
717th Railway Operating Battalion
8th Division 109th Infantry, L Company
Pennsylvania Past Players
and Uncle Sam! |
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| Regular admission charges cover full access to Troops and Trains (reduced for veterans and military). Persons wishing to to attend the Swing Train '40s Dance should obtain special tickets at additional cost. Combination tickets are available. Details. |
 Overview of PA Railroads and the Military
The American Civil War marked the first major military application of railroads, which were principally used as supply lines for troops, munitions, rations and communications. The Military Railway Service was created in 1916 for World War I, which, by the end of the war, had over 32,000 railroaders and 897 officers working for the Service. In World War II, U. S. freight and passenger railroad service, both military and civilian, was phenomenal. As many as 160 freight trains traveled daily between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg and numerous passenger trains were converted into troop carriers and hospital cars.
Following World War II the railroads' use in conflict declined, but did not disappear. Today's military rail movements are centered more on large, heavy equipment, which simply cannot move over highways. A renewed focus on the railroads for both military and civilian importance as an integral part of a balanced transportation network is necessary for our nation's well-being. |
"Taking the Swing Train '40s Dance" Saturday, November 8, 2008, 7 - 10PM. Details.
For Directions to the Museum, click here. To contact us, click here.
Watch for our Home for the Holidays event on December 6 and 13!
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