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This excursion takes passengers on a journey through the impressive Piney Woods of East Texas and 135 years of history. Unplug for an experience where history, nature and adventure meet.
The Piney Woods Express Diesel Excursion is powered by restored FP9 passenger units, TSR 125 and/or TSR 126. These remarkably restored engines aren’t just for show! General Motors built 481 of the FP9 and FP7 locomotives to haul passengers during the “Golden Age” of streamliners. From the moment one steps aboard a vintage 1920s car, history comes alive. Relaxed seating, thoughtful décor and friendly, responsive car attendants add to the ambiance of the scenic journey afforded by travelers a century ago.
This 4-hour round-trip train excursion departs from the historic Palestine Rail Depot and travels to our Rusk Rail Depot, where guests will deboard the train for an approximate 1 hour and 20-minute layover. During the layover, guests will be able to have lunch, explore the grounds or take in some history visiting the interior of the depot as well as our gift shop. We have multiple seating and pricing options for this excursion.
Most cars are climate-controlled, have restrooms, along with access to our concession car stocked with snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase. All seats have views along the Piney Woods route, with narration and music to highlight the trip. Seven different accommodations are offered on the Piney Woods Express Excursion: Private Caboose, Presidential 1511, Presidential 42 Couches, Presidential 42 Table and Chairs (for two), Dome, First Class, and Open-Air Coach. We also offer an ADA-compliant coach Car. Locomotive Cab Rides are also available on these excursions. Please call our reservations desk at 855-632-7729 for detail on a locomotive cab ride or to book in our ADA-compliant coach.
ADA-Compliant Car Available– Please contact our Reservations Desk directly at 855-632-7729.
A $3.00 Historical Preservation Fee will be added to the individual ticket rate at checkout. This fee goes directly towards, our depots and the railroad and is used to protect, enhance buildings, places and objects of historical and cultural significance.
Exclusive private car with a capacity of up to 8 guests. The Caboose features comfortable seating, cupola seating for a birds-eye view, and a private outdoor viewing platform. In addition, this car is temperature controlled and features a private restroom. Upon departure, a personal car attendant will serve a complimentary Champagne or Sparkling Cider toast and freshly prepared appetizers to each guest. Non-alcoholic drinks are included in the flat rate ticket price. A variety of alcoholic beverages and additional snacks are available for purchase. This car is NOT ADA-compliant.
The nostalgic Car 1511 is an ADULT ONLY car that features comfortable seats, intimate table service, large picture windows, and a private outdoor viewing platform. In addition, this car is temperature-controlled and has a restroom. Upon departure, a personal car attendant will serve a complimentary Champagne or Sparkling Cider toast and freshly prepared appetizers to each guest. A variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks are available for purchase. This car is NOT ADA-compliant.
Art Deco inspired, Car 42 features comfortable COUCHES with intimate table service and large picture windows. In addition, this car is temperature controlled and has a restroom. A personal car attendant will serve a complimentary Champagne or Sparkling Cider toast and freshly prepared appetizers to each guest upon departure. A variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as snacks are available for purchase. This is a family friendly car, and all seating is assigned. Parties with an odd number of guests may share a COUCH with a non-party guest. It is recommended for parties of more than 4 (Four) to book a combination of both types of seating (Couches and Tables) to sit across the aisle. Booking both COUCHES and TABLES will require separate reservations when booking online. This car is NOT ADA-compliant.
For assistance with booking, please call 855-632-7729.
Art Deco inspired Car 42 Table w/Chairs for 2 (Two) includes intimate table service and large picture windows. In addition, this car is temperature controlled and has a restroom. A personal car attendant will serve a complimentary Champagne or Sparkling Cider toast and freshly prepared appetizers to each guest upon departure. This is a family friendly car, and all seating is assigned. Parties greater than 2 (Two) will be seated front to back at 2 (Two) or more tables. Parties with an odd number may share a table with a non-party guest. It is recommended for parties of more than 4 (Four) to book a combination of both types of seating (Couches and Tables) to sit across the aisle. Booking both COUCHES and TABLES will require separate reservations when booking online. This car is NOT ADA-compliant.
For assistance with booking, please call 855-632-7729.
The exclusive glass-top dome car features booth-style seating for 4 (Four) on the upper level with a steep, narrow stair passageway on both ends. The unobstructed birds-eye view is something everyone should experience. In addition, this car is temperature-controlled and has a restroom. Upon departure, a personal car attendant will serve a complimentary Champagne or Sparkling Cider toast and freshly prepared appetizers to each guest. This is a family-friendly car, and all seating is assigned. Parties not divisible by 4 (Four) will be assigned a booth front to back or across the aisle and may share a table with non-party guests. This car is NOT ADA-compliant.
Comfortable booth-style seating for 4 (Four) with table service and large windows. Restroom(s) are available on our First-Class cars and are temperature-controlled. Car attendant(s) will serve light appetizers and 1 (One) bottled water to guests upon departure. First-Class is family friendly and all seating is assigned. Parties not divisible by 4 (Four) will be assigned a booth front to back or across the aisle and may share a table with non-party guests. This car is NOT ADA-compliant.
Historic wooden bench seats with no window enclosures. A concession car is accessible for purchase of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as snacks. This is a family-friendly car, and all seating is assigned. Parties not divisible by 4 (Four) may share a bench with non-party guests. This car is NOT ADA-compliant. Restrooms are available in the concession car.
Please see further details in our FAQ section. This car must be booked by calling our reservations desk directly at 855-632-7729.
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Because of special, incidental or consequential situations that may be out of our control, Texas State Railroad reserves the right to adjust our operation between the date of your booking and the day of departure. These changes could include (but not be limited to): locomotive power for the day, passenger car assignments, layover and/or meal time during the four-hour ride and departure and/or arrival times. Thanking you in advance for your consideration.
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