Saturday, April 15, 2000
Railroad to depart from Mason
Lebanon tracks need work, says Turtle Creek GM
BY Jenny Callison
Enquirer Contributor
MASON — Turtle Creek Valley Railway's new season brings a departure from tradition. Make that a departure from Mason.
After years of chugging out of the picturesque Lebanon depot into the countryside, the train is taking a detour because of track problems along its usual route.
“The Federal Railroad Administration has track standards for passenger trains,” said Guy Marino, the company's new general manager. “The track near Lebanon has certain spots that are bad.”
Rather than sidetracking the train, Turtle Creek Valley Railway obtained permission to operate from Mason until repairs are made.
Beginning Saturday, rides will be offered on weekends.
There's precedent for using Mason as a departure point.
“Years ago the train operated out of Mason and ran to Lebanon on Wednesday nights for ice cream socials, bringing shoppers into town,” Mr. Marino said.
But Turtle Creek Valley Railway will return to Lebanon. The city has applied for a grant to rehabilitate the entire line.
If the grant stalls, the bad spots will be repaired in any case.
There are other possibilities down the line for the train, which offers the public a nostalgic glimpse of rail travel. Mr. Marino has talked with Lebanon city manager James Patrick as well as Chamber of Commerce director Becky Dunn.
“I see a need to develop more than just a train ride,” Mr. Marino said. “My goal is to have some sort of entertainment on every ride, a different theme every month, and holidays.”
“Lebanon is definitely committing itself to the train,” said Ms. Dunn, adding that the city is considering building a loading platform near the depot which would provide access for handicapped passengers and a shelter to use as a farmers market.
“The train has brought in thousands of people every year. Those people visit our shops. Parents return without their children for another visit. It's all about exposure,” she said.
“We definitely want to incorporate the train into Lebanon events, such as our Christmas Festival,” she said.
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