Wesleyan's Institute for Lifelong Learning

All Aboard! The Romance of Trains!
Lee Osborne, Max Miller, Dave Conrad, and Robert Bell

SATURDAY, MAY 16 - $125

This full-day program will take place entirely at the facilities of the Valley Railroad Company in Essex, and will feature an excursion by train and boat. The course will examine railroading historically--with special attention to Connecticut railroads and the railroad along the lower river valley. With this historical perspective, the impact the railroad has had on the area will be described. This will include examination of some of the railroad artifacts found along the line. Then we will cover what it takes to maintain and operate historic trains, including a tour of the Valley Railroad shops and equipment. The techniques of steam locomotive operation will be demonstrated and we will learn of the opportunities and challenges of operating a tourist railroad along the Connecticut River. The class will then take a narrated excursion on the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat including a box lunch on the Becky Thatcher Riverboat.

SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2015 - $125

8:30 – 9:00am Registration (coffee)
9:00 – 9:45am Railroads in Connecticut: Lee Osborne
9:45 – 10:30am Local Railroad History: Max Miller
10:45 – 11:30am Valley Railroad Shop Tour: Dave Conrad
11:45am – 12:30pm The Business of a Tourist Railroad: Robert Bell
12:30 – 3:15pm Narrated Excursion Essex Steam Train and Riverboat
3:15pm Depart

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