Our locomotive's operating schedule for the rest of 2016 has started to come together. In late May, the Federal Railroad Administration will perform #113's annual inspection -- a regular check-up of the boiler and all safety appliances. After she passes with flying colors, we will put her back together (the inspection requires some disassembly, just as we undress in the doctor's office for our own check-up) and get ready for the trip to Schuylkill Haven on Friday, the 3rd of June, to mark the beginning of the 18th annual Schuylkill River Sojourn, sponsored by the the Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area (managed by the Schuylkill River Greenway Association (SRGA), a 501(c)3 non-profit). Although not definite, we will probably also take the engine to Haven for Borough Day on Saturday, the 24th of September. Neither of these trips will include passenger cars, so while you may photograph the engine you will not have the opportunity to ride behind her.
Farther out, mark your calendars for the 4th and 18th of December, two Sundays, when we will once again partner with the Reading & Northern's passenger division, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, for Santa trains from Minersville to Landingville and return -- three trains each day, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 and 3:30 p.m. We'll have more information about ticket prices closer to the time.
Other trips in the works include a possible photo charter sponsored by Lerro Productions in November; we'll have more details on that as well soon.