Touted as the most classic ride in Branson MO, the Branson Scenic Railway offers visitors the chance to take a vintage railroad car on an exploratory route through the scenic Ozarks. On the 1 hour 45 minutes journeys offered, the Branson Scenic Railway takes passengers through the picturesque locales of southwestern Missouri or northwestern Arkansas. Originally named as the White River Railway, the present Branson Scenic Railway tracks were laid between 1902 and 1905. The 239 miles of track were laid at an enormous cost of $12 million.
The Trains have no particular set itinerary, depending on freight traffic and track conditions, they can travel to either Missouri or Northern Arkansas. The northern Missouri route train travels to destinations like Galena and the James River Valley. The southern Arkansas route travels to the Barren Fork Trestle. According to the season, the Branson Scenic Railway often travels through territories which are otherwise inaccessible by cars, and offers passengers panoramic views. The Branson Scenic Railway routes take it's passengers to destinations about 20 miles from Branson, it then reverses direction and travels back on the same tracks.
The well informed on board narration helps the passengers identify landmarks such as Crest Tunnel, Barren Fork Trestle, Cricket Tunnel, Walnut Creek Trestle and Tharp's Grade. The train journey also highlights and thus plays a vital role in conserving the ancient communities of Gretna, Melva, and Ruth. The exciting narration also includes a description of native wildlife in the region.
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Visitors take the train from the historic 1905 depot in downtown Branson, located near Lake Taneycomo (earlier known as the White River). Housing administrative offices, ticket offices, and a quaint gift shop carrying many rail road memorabilia and Thomas the Tank Engine merchandise, it is headquarters for the Branson Scenic Railway .
The Branson Scenic Railway Vintage Locomotive Cars -
There are two vintage Locomotives, one built in 1951 and another built in 1962. Other than that the Branson Scenic Railway also has several vintage Railway cars -
- There is a 1949 Budd 60 Seater Coach called the “Silver Eagle”
- A unique restored 1951 Budd Buffet Lounge Car called the “Silver Lake”is also part of the entourage. It was earlier a Parlor car with the Pennsylvania Railroad and later renovated by Amtrak.
- There is a 1947 Budd Dome Lounge Observation Car called the “Silver Island”, belonging to the Twin-City Zephyr.
- A 1952 Budd Dome Lounge Coach called the “Silver Garden” from the Kansas City Zephyr.
- A 1939 Budd Lounge Observation Car called the “Westport”, from Atlantic Coastline “Champion” Train
- A 1952 Budd Dome Observation called the “Silver Terrace” from CB&Q, Kansas City Zephyr.
- There is a 1956 Budd 48-Seater Diner Car from the Denver Zephyr, called the “Silver Chef”.
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