Austin Steam Train Association

Austin Steam Train Association

Written by Robert Bell Friday, 19 December 2008

For the last 16 years, the Austin Steam Train Association has delivered thousands of authentic passenger rail experiences to serious train buffs and novices alike. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit was chartered in 1989, but really got rolling three years later, when the first passenger train since 1937 left Cedar Park for Burnet, said Holly Doggett, executive director for ASTA.

“What [the founders] wanted to do was bring a serviceable steam locomotive and create a living monument to Texas’ railroading history,” she said.

Much of the support for that goal came from Arthur Boone, who founded both Frostex Foods, Inc. and the ASTA. Boone, who passed away Oct. 6 at 87, was an avid train enthusiast and even traveled the country with family in his own luxury railcar. He was inspired to start the association by a particular steam engine — Southern Pacific Steam Engine No. 786, which in 1989 was on display at Brush Square in Austin. Boone looked at the 1916 engine and saw an even greater potential.

“The organization wouldn’t exist if it hadn’t been for Mr. Boone’s desire to restore the 786 and bring passenger railroading back to Central Texas,” Doggett said.

The 786 is currently undergoing a $1.3 million rebuilding process, with completion projected for some time in 2009. The ASTA, cities of Austin and Cedar Park, Heritage Society of Austin and Cedar Park Tourism Board funded the project. Until that is complete, Alco diesel 442, a 1960 diesel-powered engine, pulls the cars. Though it is not as old as the 786, the 442 is the last of its type in operation, Doggett said.

Riders can hop aboard the Bertram Flyer for a 44-mile excursion from The Depot next to the Railyard shopping center, 401 E. Whitestone Blvd. in Cedar Park, to Bertram. They can also opt to take the Hill Country Flyer, which travels 66 miles round-trip from Cedar Park to Burnet.

Next year, one of the most famous train engines in the world will return to Central Texas. Though it could not make an appearance this year because of track work for Capital Metro’s commuter rail project, Thomas the Tank Engine will arrive in October 2009, Doggett said.

Day Out With Thomas — when a real life-size Thomas the Tank Engine pulls ASTA cars — is the biggest event the group hosts.

“It’s very popular,” she said. “Last year, we had almost 18,000 people ride with us over 14 days.”

In 2007, more than 46,000 passengers rode the train. Experienced volunteers operate the trains, which run nearly every weekend of the year. The maximum capacity for an excursion is just shy of 600 people, Doggett said. All of the December trips are already sold out and have been for a while.

“Our North Pole Flyer was sold out by September. That’s a two-hour round-trip. Santa and Mrs. Claus are onboard to greet all of the kids. This year we have a story that was written for us. It’s about our train. We read the story, Santa and Mrs. Claus hand out treats to all the kids that are onboard. We serve hot chocolate and Christmas cookies and have carolers,” she said. “Everybody has a great time.”

Accommodations on the train

• Coach ticket — Windows can be opened; no heat or air conditioning
• Excursion ticket — Coach seating with heat and air conditioning
• Lounge ticket — Ticket for first class Pullman lounge car

Hill Country Flyer

ASTA’s most popular train ride leaves Cedar Park for Burnet at 10 a.m. and includes a two and a half hour layover in Burnet. The train returns to Cedar Park at 4:30 p.m.

• Coach: $28 (adult), $18 (child), $25 (senior)
• Excursion: $33 (adult), $23 (child), $30 (senior)
• Lounge: $43 (adult), $27 (child), $39 (senior)

Bertram Flyer

A shorter train ride (three hours round-trip) follows the route of the Hill Country Flyer, but stops at the 1912 train station in Bertram. The Bertram Flyer departs Cedar Park at 10 a.m. in January and February.

• Coach: $17 (adult), $12 (child), $14 (senior)
• Excursion: $22 (adult), $17 (child), $19 (senior)
• Lounge: $32 (adult), $24 (child), $29 (senior)

Austin Steam Train Association, 477-8468, www.austinsteamtrain.org

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