2. Riding America's OLDEST Railroad to Alaska!

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Edited by: @WarwickHughes & @MattMort
Thumbnail by: Matt Mort
0:00 - America's Oldest Train intro
0:14 - DownieLive Travels by Train: America intro
0:43 - Red Caboose Motel in Strasburg Pennsylvania
1:22 - SurfShark VPN
2:33 - Introducing the guys
4:36 - Strasburg Railroad
5:54 - America's Oldest Continuously Operated Railroad
10:13 - Train tour
11:04 - Thomas the Tank Engine
11:13 - Train Rating
11:40 - Amish Buggy Ride
13:10 - Mini Golf and teaser for episode 3

[@DownieLive]

Get the Postcards & Artwork from this series 👉🏼 tinyurl.com/dhnpshfk

[@skyi3188]

In from Pennsylvania and the thing I love most is the farm land if you ever go back you should go to cherry tree

[@davidhart1022]

@@skyi3188 ❤❤😮😢❤❤😂😂❤😂❤❤

[@GregGigglego0p]

Nice Video! Though You say it like Lan- Cuh-ster

[@FoxSunny13]

Bet

[@dale.lefever]

As a seasonal Strasburg Rail Road employee, and son of the conductor that is in your video, this is a great overview of the railroad and pretty neat that you were there during the Day Out with Thomas event. I look forward to the other spectacular railroads you have lined up for the rest of this series!

[@yamoshigodofsaiyans1569]

You're dad might have made one of the biggest memories I ever had when I was 3 in 1994🥰 Please thank him and everybody for the beautiful memories ❤️

[@spyder6100]

Why are both engines going in reverse?

[@Chronograph71]

@@spyder6100 the steam engine goes in reverse one way, then is disconnected, attached to the opposite end of the train and pools the train forward back to the initial station (this is a way of handling trains in a cheaper fashion, avoiding turning locomotives or the whole trains around).

[@spyder6100]

@@Chronograph71 oh nice, thank you!

[@cxb262]

As an occasional rider, THANK YOU to all of you for what's always a very enjoyable experience. Maybe one of these days the wife and I can make it out for something other than a Thomas event. :)

[@mattkradelman7964]

You just unlocked a core memory for me with the Strasburg railroad. When I was 4 years old my parents took me to the "Day out with Thomas", the first time Thomas would be running for the Rail company. For the longest time, I was under the impression it was just a promotional event and they just took the train to a bunch of different stations. Seeing Thomas still there after all these years brings me great joy.

[@nathanjiang100]

As much awesome railroading action Strasburg has, it’s really ironic that the only way to access it is by car. the closest Amtrak station at Lancaster is around 13 miles away and there are no transit connections between Strasburg and Lancaster. There were plans to build an infill station at Paradise where you could connect to the Strasburg Railroad but nothing has really moved forward. It’s a real shame but hopefully that can change in the future

[@Madwonk]

Dark Bradon will put a train station in every town I'm sure, so I wouldn't worry. (/s) that said there are plans to massively expand Amtrak in the near future if it gets funding. Call your representatives in congress!

[@doomsdayrabbit4398]

@@Madwonk More importantly, *expand* Congress so running for a seat doesn't require one to be a private jet riding millionaire first.

[@SooSmokie]

@@Madwonk what they said about a bullet train in ohio years ago, then they turned the tracks into walking/biking trails

[@stephenkehl7158]

One of the interesting things about the Strasburg Railroad is that they’re not just a tourist railroad, they still haul revenue freight for customers. They usually use their diesels for that, but occasionally use one of their steamers to do the job. I stopped in at Strasburg a few years ago, as it was pretty close to the route I was taking on a coast to coast cycling trip. It definitely was one of the highlights- thanks for letting me revisit and relive some fond memories!

[@EvilTurkeySlices]

They also have one of the best steam locomotive shops in the country, if you need a part made, or an engine maintained that you can't do yourself, Strasburg is the way to go. They do all kinds of work for other railroads and organizations that operate steam locomotives. Strasburg's go to diesel is also a classic, an EMD SW8 built in 1953.

[@benwetzel8449]

The coach, hello dolly, was actually used in the movie Hello Dolly. It’s the coach the main characters board as they depart from Yonkers, New York. And the locomotive was featured in the film Thomas and the Magic Railroad.

[@vengefuljester2090]

475 was used in Magic Railroad, not 90

[@TheBenghaziRabbit]

Oh man... My dad used to bring me to Strasburg when I was a kid. One of the things I remember the most was going to the tracks and putting coins on the tracks with the other kids and getting flattened coins when the train would come back or go out from the station. Very good times at that museum.

[@buttorr]

my dad would take me and his dad to strasburg whenever my grandpa visited. It was really fun. Sadly my grandpa cant come to the states anymore but it was fun when we went.

[@Username67831]

Same

[@Transportationfan1421]

I still go there😊

[@deux215x]

Same i used to go for the Thomas the tank engine events 😂

[@kristenwislowski4823]

Strasburg is my childhood! My dad still takes my siblings and me there once a year :D

[@VHM2018]

I live in Europe and my son loved steam trains when he was little, especially Thomas of course. We rode steam trains all over Europe and every single time it was amazing. There’s something special about it and this video captures it so well!

[@DownieLive]

Thanks for sharing!

[@WildlifeWarrior-cr1kk]

@@DownieLive Now you should ride on the train to mars

[@elaineg60]

I’m in Honesdale and remember someone telling my kids almost 20 years ago (when we first moved here), that Stourbridge Line was the oldest steamline. My Son piped up and told the lady “uh uuuh..’Thomas’ is and mama took us to Thomas before we came here, so you’re second!” He also went on to tell the poor lady about trains in Europe we had been on…and how he planned on riding trains in Japan. My precious Son passed away at age 31 last year; but he’d fulfilled his dream of riding trains in Japan..and traveling the world, riding trains in many other countries. I should add, his goal wasn’t to ride trains..although I think he called me a dozen times from the train in Japan; his goal was to meet people and see countries around the world to educate himself and..pretty much anyone who would listen to him, educate people about different cultures. He just wanted to bring people together. As a friend of his from Tibet, a Monk living in Lassa’s giant Potala Palace told me when he sent us some blessed Tibetan Urn necklaces; CJ lived more and did more in his short 31 years than most 80yr olds could ever have dreamed of. Safe Travels!

[@elisenechelput3163]

thank you for sharing that memory :)

[@lindarobinson195]

Your words made my heart feel there is still hope. Thank you yours truly Evans w Robinson

[@Naturerockwood]

He's happy and loves yall so much !! Cause who wouldn't. You sound like great folks humble stoic and proud .the links will once again become a chain

[@herenasaavedra9234]

Thank you for sharing your precious memories of you wonderful young man. Bless you.

[@TheWestlandgirl]

Blessings to you and yours!

[@admiralcapn]

Local here, who seasonally works at Cherry Crest Farm (snippets can be seen at 8:21, 8:26, 10:38). #90 is definitely the loudest of the three locomotives they typically run. Occasionally Norfolk & Western's #611 will run at Strasburg and draw BIG crowds (even bigger than Thomas). Really fun seeing your experience. Local pronunciations: Strasburg - "a" is like apple, not "ah" like caught; "s" is actually a hard "z" sound Lancaster - although "LAN-kass-ter" is the typical pronunciation, in Pennsylvania and South Carolina the counties are pronounced "LANK-iss-ter"

[@valerief1231]

I raised my children in Lancaster TX, Lankister 😂

[@ballyhigh11]

So the locals pronounce it the way the people of the original Lancaster county pronounce it!

[@LCBC6401]

Yes you are right it’s Lankister it how you say it not lankaster it is just kinda annoying for someone who lives in Lancaster

[@cherryhill6044]

Lol I tried really hard to say it like the locals while I was there. It never came out fluently.

[@potatohead5910]

Fun fact: "Hello Dolly" is named after the movie it was a star in, being one of the passenger cars used on-set for the film version directed by Gene Kelly.

[@avgjoe-cz7cb]

I loved that you stayed in an MEC caboose. As a little kid, the yard was less than a mile from my house. Most consists back in the day had a caboose. Our neighborhood was built in the late 1860's, early 1870's simply because of Maine Central RR where the workers could walk home. And I spent lots of time sneaking in the yards and buildings as a little kid. It's not a little yard. It's big. One of my favorite places to see and play was the 'sand storage building' near the round house where I met a RR worker taking a break in an old passenger car having his lunch. We talked. He was an old timer. We chatted. He told me he knew it was me playing on the old sand pile because he could tell by my foot prints of the sneakers I wore on the sand pile. The sand pile was tall, maybe 30 to 40 feet. It was fun to climb to the top and slide down to the bottom on my butt. He was a cool guy. To this day I wonder what happened to the car that we met it. What happened to him after his retirement. If you were there at that time, you wouldn't forget, and be happy for the experience. Maine Central Railroad aka MEC.

[@scottysblog7317]

"It's loud, and it's big ... It's American." That is so accurate 🤣🤣

[@MarkTrombly]

This is one of the best videos that I've seen in a long time. You seriously made me cry. You showcased how beautiful that part of the United States can be and paired it with a beautiful steam locomotive. I am living in Guadalajara, Mexico and recently married a Mexican. He's never seen scenery like you showed on your video. I want to take him with me and share adventures like you just showed on this video. Thanks Mike and friends!

[@lasvegasroger]

I’m glad to read I wasn’t the only one who cried from this video! 😉

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

I've been to Strasburg to ride the railroad back in 2009 as part of this big Lancaster trip when I was a kid with my cousins. It was kinda train-themed. We first went to the now sadly defunct Roadside America Miniature Village in Shartlesville which had the country's (maybe even the Western Hemisphere's) best model train layout by far. It first closed back in March 2020 because of the pandemic but then the closure was made permanent November that year after apparently not finding a buyer for three years, which who'd refuse to buy a place as awesome as a model train village?! We then went to a pretzel bakery to make our own pretzels. The next day we went to Dutch Wonderland down the road from the hotel. And finally on our last day we went to Strasburg before heading home right after. We stayed at the Best Western Eden Resort though rather than the Red Caboose Motel. If we knew about it, we probably would've stayed there. Strasburg may be small, but its history is HUGE And this is what I love about the rail community, the friends we make along the way. After not seeing them for years, you showed them something you're passionate for and made them fall in love with trains. That's the power of rail that we love to see. But what an opportunity to be able to work with NBC at the Olympics, definitely a one-of-a-kind experience that many wish they had. That 2018 mascot Soohorang is adorable but my favorite Olympic mascots for Summer and Winter are Quatchi and Miga from Vancouver 2010 and the Fuwa from Beijing 2008 because I mean Miga's half-Orca, half-bear while Quatchi is a straight up sasquatch with earmuffs (best rep of Cascadia) like how can you say no to them?! And then Fuwa are unique for there's five of them, each representing not just the Olympic ring colors but also a Chinese cultural aspect whether it be a kite or a creature native to China.

[@jackson7421]

I grew up a little over an hour away from there. So my grandparents and I had ridden those steam strains many many times. Makes me smile to see others having such enjoyment. And to think back on being a kid an how freakin cool that was all those years ago.

[@Dtuba15]

When we road the strasburg railroad last month for our honeymoon the Amtrak Pennsylvanian flew by at full speed during the switch out. It was such a cool experience to be on the oldest operating seeing the new fly by.

[@xxdarkgeminixx]

I cannot tell you how excited I am for the next episode. I'm a New Hampshire native and maybe I'm biased, but I think the Cog is one of the most beautiful experiences in this world. Words honestly cannot describe it.

[@joshstauber3335]

I’m a new subscriber. Just found you at the beginning of this series. I’m amazed at how absolutely wholesome you and your videos are. It’s so refreshing to see someone that has a passion for anything these days. I look forward to the rest of this series as well as the opportunity to go back and watch all your other videos. I have a feeling I’m gonna have to sign up to the patreon soon. ✌️❤️

[@DownieLive]

Welcome aboard, Josh!

[@chunkyboyjames]

If you ever come to the UK, I recommend you visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. One of dozens of preserved steam heritage railways in the UK, it runs on one of the longest preserved routes, right through the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. I think you will absolutely love it!

[@randallriley]

Mr. Downie infuses so much love and energy into these modern day travelogs, that it's impossible to walk away from watching one of his shows without a big smile on your face. Also, since you love trains, might I suggest a trip to New Mexico where you can ride the Chama steam locomotive(s) to Osier through the mountains of northern New Mexico and into Southern Colorado? Amazing scenery.

[@Yesica1993]

Sounds like my dream!

[@BMMEC6000]

If you ever want to really get the full steam railroad experience you have got to visit the Reading Blue Mountain and Northern railroad out of Reading Pennsylvania. They have a massive, powerful and impressive steam locomotive, 400 miles of trackage and a beautiful and massive collection of passenger cars including two dome cars. You really have to check it out sometime. Definitely a bucket list item

[@Kmaster2007]

YEAHHHHHH BROTHOR 425 THE EXACT COPY OF GREAT WET TURD 90 RID’IN UP AND DOWN THAT GOOD OLE MAINLINE

[@BMMEC6000]

@@Kmaster2007 I was talking about 2102

[@BMMEC6000]

@@Kmaster2007 also 90 is a decapod while 425 is a pacific.

[@kremestation80]

@@BMMEC6000 WDYM 425 IS 90’S COPY

[@koslund11]

Who would have thought that a ride on an old train would put such smiles on the sceptics. I'm 70 and have only been on one train from Mich to Colorado. Thanks for sharing Mike, your videos have been very interesting and informative. Will start marking my maps with your destinations. Thanks for sharing.

[@gmanstudios11905]

I gotta say one of the coolest things about this railroad is not only just that it’s steam operated but that Thomas is the only Thomas in the country that is steam operated, they converted their old tank engine to look like Thomas for their events on the railroad after signing a deal with the Britt alcroft company in 1997 or 98 which in return for getting part of the rights for Thomas, they gave the company permission to film some scenes for the film “Thomas and the magic railroad” (2000). So there’s a little bit of Thomas history on this railway as well.

[@oneball]

"Say yes to opportunities that come along." Well said! Thank you and your team and everyone involved on this journey. Was fantastic to watch. Keep up the great work!

[@DownieLive]

Yes! Thank you!

[@naturalflow157]

I visited Alaska once, and words can't describe what an incredible place on Earth we have. It's truly just an amazing, stunning, and breathtaking view. As someone who has been struggling with the purpose in life, I am finally getting back on track and feeling much better. Not going to lie, watching this video made me nostalgic, but also it moved me and inspired me to gain back the liveliness of what life experiences bring you. Thank you so much for sharing this, and wishing you the best on your journey.

[@JLFRuppent]

Thank you from Ottawa for a lovely, nostalgic visit to my home state! I've done Strasburg many times in my childhood and youth and back in October 2019. Great memories of the Lancaster area!

[@AkSonya1010]

I live in Alaska and Pennsylvania is on my bucket list. Thank you for this.

[@kieranwrightstone2199]

This was a breath of fresh air this episode for me. Me and my family went to Strasburg multiple times for the Day Out with Thomas event when I was a little kid, hard enough it has been nearly 20 years since. And it is so nostalgic to see all the rolling hills and farmland. I’m originally from a small village at the edge of Amish country in Cumberland Valley, haven’t been back there in nearly 4 years…been meaning to back there yet the pandemic and college had put a damper on things. Hopefully I can go back there again soon.

[@johnmones1450]

The history of the train and experiencing the actual trip along with learning the culture in this area is priceless. Thank you for sharing this episode. Hope your friends hang in their for week 3. In the meantime stay well. 👍🙏😎

[@blockmaster4417]

This video really pulled on my heart strings as I loved going to Strasburg when I was little for the Day Out with Thomas events growing up and it inspired my love of trains as a kid which I have now kept as an adult through your videos! I love this so much!! Great video and awesome overview of Strasburg as a whole with what they have to offer!

[@VampiriaOddiss]

You remind so much of my best friend. He’s an adventurer like you and always goes with the flow. I’m normally the brakes and he’s the gas pedal. We balance each other out perfectly. That being said, I hope to find someone as adventurous and easygoing as you! This looks so fun and I am so happy I found your channel while randomly watching Norway train footages 😄🚂🙌

[@kevinwells4986]

This was a fantastic 2nd episode to your new travel series! This was so simple, and so great a buildup! Watching your comrades warm up to it was also very cool. I've had the pleasure of being to Lancaster a number of times. I miss all the people there actually. Thanks Downie.

[@jenniferzukawski3257]

I think it's awesome that you're traveling across this great country of ours on trains that's on my bucket list to do that

[@PokhrajRoy.]

The new series is just so exciting! I’ve been looking forward to this!

[@JBS319]

A bit of history on the five (well...six, kinda) steam locomotives at Strasburg. 90: Hauled sugar beets across Colorado 89: Carried commuters to work in Montreal on what is now exo 475: Worked rural branch lines in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina Thomas: The only real steam locomotive Thomas in the country, rebuilt from a small dockyard locomotive that switched freight cars on the busy docks of Brooklyn. 31: Strasburg's first steam locomotive after beginning tourist operations in 1959. Formerly a switching locomotive in Canada. Currently being overhauled. 611: You probably saw its tender sitting outside the shops (black with a red stripe). One of the last steam locomotives built in the United States, powered crack passenger trains from the Tidewater to the Midwest and later excursions across the eastern United States. Currently visiting from Virginia and under repairs.

[@yeoldeseawitch]

isnt 90 due for an overhaul soon?

[@matthewnelson713]

I find it kind of cool that a locomotive from the local railroad (Great Western) still have a running locomotive from its hayday. Alsl find it intresting that its the only decopod still in running condition.

[@jimmyhook4852]

@@matthewnelson713 Uh.... don't forget Frisco 1630 at the Illinois Railway Museum. ^^'

[@donfenton7473]

Fantastic Mike. I live in Utah where the East and West trains met and drove the golden spike to connect our country by rail. Also, we have an old steam engine train called the Heber Creeper. I love trains.

[@Saraseeksthompson0211]

I just found this channel a week ago and have been binging it since. Literally love how informative and geeky these videos are. Also, love how positive and excited he remains throughout this. He’s so cute. I think this would be fun just to go see and do once. Maybe not actually sleep there though 😂

[@XYZ_is_taken]

the reason Thomas characters are represented on this line is that the Thomas movie from 2000 used locomotive 475 from Strasburg in real world sequences, after scenes on the line were done filming a contract was formed, and Day out with Thomas events began at Strasburg in 1999.

[@dale.lefever]

XYZ - any railroad can license the Thomas events and have their own Day Out with Thomas. It’s true that some of the sequences are from Strasburg (and the Harrisburg train station), there are many railroads around the country (both standard and narrow gauge) that have DOWT events on a regular basis.

[@XYZ_is_taken]

first of all I am XYZ not XYC second Strasburg was the first place with the DOWT events making the Thomas character representations have a stronger significance.

[@EvilTurkeySlices]

a Fun Fact, 475 was the first Steam Locomotive in many years and last steam locomotive (as of 2022) down the Pennsylvania Railroad Main Line to Harrisburg Transportation Center.

[@evanb.529]

I go to college in Lancaster, and I've gotten the chance to ride the Strasburg railroad a couple years back. It really is an amazing service that gives a bit of a glimpse into what life was like in the region all those years ago. It's especially fun when an Amtrak train goes flying by to show just how far we've come in train tech. I'd certainly recommend it to people, and I'm glad you got to enjoy it!

[@althejazzman]

The enthusiasm here for travel, history and socialising is far more than just a love for trains.

[@Zeyev]

It wasn't merely you and your friends who were smiling you had dour me smiling during the whole episode. Thanks for taking us along. And, yes, I'm looking forward to the ascent up Mt Washington.

[@kimberlyshalaby1134]

I loved this Steam Train episode! Enjoyed riding in an Amish buggy. I love Amish country. Can't wait 'til next week. I didn't know there was a steep incline for a train on railroads. Enjoyed meeting your friends.

[@vengefuljester2090]

Makes me smile seeing people experience The Strasburg Railroad for the first time. I live about 45 minutes from the railroad and have been going there for years. Probably rode close to 100 times just last year alone. Its an experience I'll never get tired of. Seems you got there at just the right time to see their Day out With Thomas event. Fun fact, underneath that Thomas shell is Brooklyn Eastern District Terminal #15 built in 1917 and the engine you rode was Great Western #90 built in 1934 for the Great Western Railroad of Colorado. Sometimes, if you're lucky, youll see a high speed Amtrack train pass by when stopped at Paradise for the strasburg locomotive to switch sides. On days in the summer you can even request to get off the train at Groffs Grove to have a picnic. I saw a few comments about the engine being in a movie, Thomas and the Magic Railroad. That would be Strasburgs Norfolk and Western #475 not the Great Western #90. Next time you're in Pennsylvania you should check out the Jim Thorpe line out of Reading or the Horseshoe Curve out in Altoona.

[@itsnotme07]

Here I was thinking the Cog Railway was the oldest continously running railroad....guess not. Oh well...guess I'll have to wait a week. Haha. What's even cooler is Strasburg is about an hour from Carlisle, PA....where I try to visit the Chrysler Nationals car show every July...so maybe in 2023....I'll check out the train in Strasburg. I agree, Open Car seating is the best! Unless it's 20 below. Haha. This part time annual Maine resident enjoyed that you stayed in the Maine Central Caboose.

[@caroledowney6908]

Wow! I traveled on this a couple times when I was much younger! Weekend getaways during the summer and fall! The area was much more authentic 45-50 years ago and everyone sat in the same class. I also love Surfshark.

[@smokingspitfire1197]

You really need to try some of the historic railways here in the UK if you like steam!

[@zackashby2662]

I’ve been inside that exact same caboose, sleeping in it, and the exact same restaurant. It was actually really fun.

[@d.s.4627]

I lived in Lancaster County a long time ago (I am over 70 years). Thank you, Mike, for taking me home again. The Strasburg railway is a train I will never forget! Did you get to see the Lancaster Amtrack? Wonderful station.

[@mbtarailfanner63]

Great Video Mike!

[@704musicent]

Love these videos and can't wait to see more. I got my first train ride booked for next Saturday. The Bluegrass Scenic Railroad in Kentucky. Thanks again for the great content.

[@DownieLive]

Very cool!

[@war_spy299]

Such a cool train

[@himbourbanist]

I grew up in PA, outside of Philadelphia, and my grandfather took me on the Strasburg railroad when I was a kid. Very formative experience and shaped my love of trains and the fond memories I associate with them to this day

[@GarrettDanger_]

Went here a few years back as a day trip with my family as my parents live about an hour away. Cool to see all of it again. Didnt get to ride the train as it was closed that day but super cool to see it threw your perspective!

[@kylieholihan6631]

I love this series!! I feel like I’m hanging out with a friend while also getting to go to these super cool places with you, Your personality is awesome!! I’m graduating college in a year and one of the things on my “after college but before I get my big girl job”bucket list is taking trains from NH (where I live) to CA. Thanks for making this awesome series :)

[@DownieLive]

That will be a fun trip! Enjoy, Kylie!

[@KatG3andout]

Do it! Travel as much as you wish after graduation; you'll be grateful you did. Don't ever second guess that Instinct. Blessings ~

[@lindawoody8501]

I have ridden a steam powered train in Willits, California, called the Skunk Train that goes either to Fort Bragg city on the Pacific Coast or half - way there. I also rode the short train trip in Sacramento, California, from Old Sacramento to just a few miles South down near the Sacramento River and back to Old Sacramento where the California Railroad Museum is located. Such fun! My ancestor tried to develop early railroads in Iowa and Missouri and my Great Grandmother's two brothers work for railroads all their adult lives in various capacities. I am loving your show! Tremendous!

[@williamparks2203]

You should really hit up the Western Maryland Scenic in Cumberland, MD. They take you up to Frostburg, MD and back for a nice long 4 hour excursion. Plus you get to ride behind the largest steam locomotive east of the Mississippi, the Last Baldwin, 1309.

[@Bennyboi_]

If you ever make it out to North Delaware, I highly recomend the Marshall Steam Museum and the Wilmington and Western Railroad. If you time them right you could hit both in one Sunday.

[@mandalorianrailfan8458]

Fun fact, locomotive #90 ran on the Great Western Railway in Colorado and the locomotive that pulled the Hogwarts Express ran on the Great Western in England in real life. So in a way, 90 is America’s Hogwarts Express engine.

[@brandonmcentyre6628]

That was an Awesome episode Mike! I grew up an hour away from there & always enjoyed visiting there, & then visiting the train museum across the street. I'm a HUGE train enthusiast which is why my wife surprised me here when we first got married (little did she know I had been there twice before LoL), but none the less I enjoyed myself. We even took the Auto train from Virginia to Florida to help with disaster relief in 2018 Florida hurricane. Train is the way to go if I had to choose. I've loved them from infancy & 42 years later nothings changed. I guess that's why I live on a road next to train tracks. I get to see the Conrail line go by each week with different unique cars attached. Keep up the Incredible travel content Mike!👍

[@paulsbingham9001]

I would love to go on a trip like this with the boys!

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

Ah yes, the 2018 Winter Olympics. We remember them like it was yesterday when my sister went down there to represent me as well as sending the Samjiyon Band to do concerts. We hoped it would lead to peaceful unification, but as we know now, that wasn't the case. It's funny how they had to make the c in Pyeongchang capitalized in the PyeongChang 2018 logo to avoid confusion with our capital Pyongyang. And it still didn't work because a plane filled with a corporate sponsor delegation accidentally landed here instead of there. We were initially confused and didn't know what to do besides let the plane park but then we just laughed it off knowing what happened and let them go to the CORRECT destination

[@HaddaClu]

8:33 Quick correction - Strasburg has zero volunteers. They are an all employee operation and do everything from freight to bespoke contract work for other steam operations - even UP has contracted out to them.

[@Yesica1993]

Glorious! I really didn't know these old fashioned trains were even still in service! It makes me so happy. I would love to do this!

[@pranitalakeram9443]

Welcome to beautiful PA Amish Country. Great appreciation for hard work ,family and practicality. Enjoy your journey through out America. PS you're gonna love the Cog Rail to Mt Washington, plan on riding the steam Engine bright and early . stay safe 🇬🇾🇺🇲❤

[@swedishbloke]

Steam engines are magical. Steam brings everything to life. A steam locomotive isn’t just a means of transport. It’s a beautiful living thing

[@deepsweech]

Cool vid. Just sad that America got left behind in terms of train commuter tech by other countries.

[@lilypoppy3388]

Ikr. I live in America and have never even been on a train. There’s only one train station in my city and it’s permanently closed, and my city is the second biggest in my state.

[@deepsweech]

@@lilypoppy3388 I lived in Asia and travelled in Europe, then moved to America. I was dumb founded on how the train system here were never a priority.

[@kevincolo3372]

I used to live in Lancaster Pennsylvania, about 30 minutes from Strasburg, so seeing all these locations from my childhood like the Strasburg railroad and Toy train museum-whic hI haven't seen in nearly a decade-gives me all sorts of nostalgia. I even went there to see Thomas for my birthday one year as a kid, and according to my mother, I cried when they had to put him in the shed at the end of the day. I never even knew until now how popular of a place Strasburg was for train enthusiasts. Amazing video Downie!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

The Musical Theatre loving child in me understands the cultural significance that of ‘Hello Dolly’.

[@MercenaryPen]

We need to get Mike to the UK some time to experience at least one of the many heritage steam railways we have over here (if I gave specific recommendations this comment would be far bogger than it needs to be)

[@JonSkinner1944]

When I was in the England, near Manchester. There a Heritage railway called the East Lancashire railway, in short amazing. Very scenic travel throughout the English countryside.

[@Saraseeksthompson0211]

Yes! 🙌 he needs to do the monorail in wales. Something I’ve wanted to do when I go back home.:

[@gingercat7925]

My wife enjoys the "southern rail", maybe we should check out that restaurant next time we are out that way.

[@BucksCorner101]

The memories this brought back were too fond. I teared up many times. Strasburg was a huge part of my childhood growing up in central Pennsylvania. I'm so glad I found your channel today, February 15th, 2024

[@gailstewart540]

We discovered your train videos recently and are really enjoying them. You have the personality to make everything interesting. Had we known about you earlier we would have tried to meet you at the Strasburg Railroad which is 20 minutes from us. We have enjoyed trains in Ireland and the UK. Best way to travel when you don’t want to drive on the wrong side of the road at our age.

[@ladyavaa4186]

Born in the UK and moved to America. I used to ride the Seven Valley Railroad all the time and honestly there is nothing that compares to the smell and sound of a steam train. Can't wait to make my own trip here myself.

[@TrainsAreReallyCool]

You guys *have* to go to the East Broad Top. The railroad is virtually unchanged since the 1900s, with all the old shops and everything. It recently reopened and they recently restored one of their steam locomotives. The East Broad Top has an amazing story, one that is truly inspiring.

[@Lukes50Eggs]

I am really enjoying your content. I took my son when he was a toddler to the Caboose motel and we rode the Strasburg RR as well as the Thomas train. Wonderful memories for me (and hopefully him!). I recall some dodging wiring in the caboose where a wire was run through the sink plumbing to a light fixture in the bathroom. We survived!

[@charlesrabb5568]

I am also watching this video with tears in my eyes. I just love trains so much. When I find one I never knew was there it makes me happy. I live in Ohio now and you can bet I will ride it as soon as I can. Already looking into the red caboose motel for my roommates 40th birthday. I got him hooked on all thing's trains. So thanks again.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

The Amish Buggy is so cool. That turn signal is brilliant!

[@DanielLehan]

Trains are nostalgic. I remember every year for Christmas, my father would set up a train around the tree.

[@chicoharper6711]

When i first went to the states and worked iowa. State fair. Sumalar to bobby. When i first worked a hundred year old food stand and oved time learning storys of customers. Watching a grandfather and grandson. Sharing fries and enjoying thier burgers. Like bobby said the joy it brings. Thanks for the tour

[@gerryrousseu874]

Always love seeing the old steam trains. I think I found another item for my bucket list. I miss the days of the Royal Hudson to Squamish

[@jamesszumowski6637]

I have been coming to the Strasburg Rail Road since I was 3. After 9 years of being away from it for various reasons, I FINALLY came back in June for my birthday. It felt like coming home. If there is a heaven (or Paradise) in America, Strasburg Rail Road is it

[@suzannevosbeck7489]

Excellent day on the train!!! Have to admit I got excited when I saw Thomas!! And I’m 62!!

[@RedJubilee]

Strasburg is my favorite railroad in the US, so I’m glad you got to visit it :)

[@jamespercival3111]

When we stayed at the Red Caboose, a hot air baloon landed in the field right out back early in the morning.

[@Tacomaguy458]

While I am not a huge train enthusiast, you have to appreciate the engineering that went into making these old steam trains work. I have been a machinist all my life but its that reason why I am fascinated with the old time heavy iron that built our country. Steam trains and tractors are just incredible to watch in action!

[@mcrockett7357]

Just watched your first episode and remembered how much I love trains, I just booked a short trip for me and my 4 year old son. I hope he likes it so we can go on longer trips soon

[@kemiwel7607]

Wait that's so cool that you went to the Strasburg museum! One of my earliest ever memories was when I was 3 years old and my parents took me to see the Thomas trains. totally forgot that place existed, and I haven't been there since, so it almost feels trippy watching this video and feeling such a familiarity with the place

[@jediraptor07]

I WAS RIGHT! Strasburg is my favorite place in the world. I've visited at least once a year since I was a year old. Glad to see you booked Open Air: that's the best seat in the house. Random trivia: the coach is named the "Hello Dolly" because it starred in the 1969 film adaptation of "Hello, Dolly!" opposite Barbara Streisand in the famous opening credits train scene. It was painted yellow in the film and modified with a full-length fold-down staircase, but it's the same coach. Much as it pains me to say it, I agree with you on the "kid's birthday party" feeling: the Strasburg used to be for more history-oriented years and years ago, and has become far more "kiddie-fied" over the past five years or so. Fortunately, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania right across the street is VERY history-focused and is (in my biased opinion) one of the better rail museums in the country. And either way, in terms of quality of equipment, the Strasburg is one of the finest heritage railroads in the country.

[@lindalooloo435]

When my grandchildren get older, I'm going to take them to Strasburg to experience what their great grandpa loved ❤️

[@GG-cl3yl]

At 39 years old I remember my father taking me here at 5 years old and many times throughout my childhood. I have gone as an adult several times as well. I look forward to taking my child.

[@Brickstherobloxian]

I just wrote an essay about a time I went to red caboose motel and then got lost at the Strasberg railroad the memories seeing it on here!

[@ForemansMainlineEntertainment]

Dear DownieLive, I just recently been to Strasburg Pennsylvania, and I rode on the N&W 475 . After I rode it, my dream FINALLY CAME A REALITY!

[@eastpennrailfan8537]

I've been to the strasburg railroad once to see N&W 611. That was the biggest steam locomotive i've vever seen and it was amazing. So powerful and majestic. As a pennsylvania resident, welcome to our state.

[@kimcorreale4067]

Had a smile on my face watching this video, brought back happy memories of taking my sons there 30+ years ago. They loved the bunk beds in the Red Caboose Motel❤️

[@PokhrajRoy.]

The Steepest Railway Track? You know me, I love heights and good ole winter fashion 😂

[@Spaceface3]

This is what America is All about friends, sightseeing, trains, and good times, this is on my bucket list❤❤

[@petermladinic8249]

Interesting how all of Strasburg is built around the train. It was good to see how life was back in they heyday of the railroad. Thanks, Mike.

[@raymondbenjamins5884]

I used to volunteer at a museum railroad with steam trains here in the Netherlands (I was a conductor and catering on the train). This video brings back some memories from that...

[@ReinSouls]

Thank you for the nostalgia trip. I grew up a little over an hour from Strasburg. Always went to the Strasburg Railroad every fall, over to Cherry Crest Farms, and got pumpkins from the cart vendor there next to the railroad (One of the few people alive that still believes in the honor system. Grab your big pumpkin. Drop $5 in the box). Been awhile since I've been back in Lancaster. But every time do always have to at the very least stop by the Rail Road for a ride in the open air car.