Boarding the Hill Country Flyer brings back a nostalgic feel that should be complemented with the blues of Robert Johnson. As you settle in for a 60-mile train ride through the Texas Hill Country the motion and the music will indeed transport you to a time long forgotten.
History of the Train
The 1960 era Alco diesel-electric locomotive, the last operating example of its kind, runs on tracks originally laid to transfer pink granite from the quarries at Marble Falls, Texas to the Capitol in Austin after the Capitol was destroyed during a devastating fire in 1881. If it were not for the fire, however, these tracks would never have been laid. After passenger service was discontinued in 1937, only freight trains continued to use this line. It was not until the late 1990s when the Austin Steam Train Association began passenger service for tourists that life again came back to these rails.
In 1882, the Austin & Northwestern Railroad became the first rail line constructed in the Texas Hill Country. This line ran from Austin to Burnet. And from 1886 to 1888, approximately 4,000 cars of granite were pulled over this line. This work is still evident today with the remains of large pieces of granite that fell off the train during those 2 years.
In 1891, the line was purchased by the Houston and Texas Central Railroad making it part of the Southern Pacific railroad. The line remained in the hands of Southern Pacific for almost the next 100 years until, in 1986, they sold the line to the City of Austin (Austin Capital Metro) who used it exclusively for freight service. In 2008, Austin Capital Metro finished a new rail next to this older line for commuter service. This officially ended any hopes of bringing passenger service back to these lines. Except that is, for the Hill Country Flyer.
Departure
As the train whistle blows, the brakeman will take your ticket and made sure everyone is onboard, he will then release the brakes and signal that the train is ready to go. The Hill Country Flyer offers every train enthusiast a chance to feel the "click-click" of the train as it passes over the rails. No matter your level of enthusiasm, you will surely feel a sense of ease as the train pulls out of the station. The enthusiasm is all too evident in the faces of each of the volunteers that make this experience possible. Each volunteer has their specific responsibilities, but in general, it is their love of the locomotive that brings them back each weekend to it possible for this train to operate.
The train winds through the Texas Hill Country, giving you a chance to explore the vintage 1920 rail cars that make up the train. There are 6 Pennsylvania Railroad coach cars. These make up the main body of passenger cars as well as a concession car where you can buy soft drinks and other snacks as well as souvenirs and train memorabilia; which include authentic railroad spikes, train whistles, and 3-D viewers showing old train pictures. In between each car is a vestibule, this is the perfect place to stop and get an un-obstructive view of the San Gabriel River Valley.
Forward of the Pennsylvania coach cars are special parlor cars from different years that provide air conditioning. These are privately owned and leased to the Steam Train Association. There is a row of private staterooms that even have sleepers. These are outfitted with comfortable lounge chairs. In the main section of each car are colorful oriental carpets and informal tables with chairs, where passengers can relax and enjoy the ride. At the head of these cars is a bar serving soft drinks and other refreshments.
Burnet, Texas
When you pull into the historic town of Burnet, Texas, a period dressed sheriff will tell you to be sure and come back early because you don't want to miss the gunfight reenactment at an authentically created western town. While you wait for the big event, you can walk through town looking through the many restaurants and gift shops for souvenirs representing the areas historic past. If you are hungry and looking for a good Texas burger, then the Texas Star Grill is the perfect place to grab a glass of lemonade and one of the biggest burgers you will ever see, so come hungry. There are pictures of cowboy legends covering the walls including Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Clint Eastwood, James Dean, John Wayne and others along with many other historic items.
Gunfight
After lunch and a short stroll through Burnet, 2 gunshots will ring out to let you know it is time for the gunfight. This is a reenactment of an old-fashioned, Wild West shoot-out. Located near the train tracks where you departed the train is an authentic recreation of an old western town including saloon, jail, sheriff's office, and bank. Gunfighters as well as other actors wear period costumes and carry authentic weapons which they use with precision. Campy, yet entertaining this "Old Tucson" style production is put on by the Burnet gunfighter's association.
Return
After the show, the train's whistle will blow signaling that it is time to board for your return trip home.
Having already explored the train, it is now time to sit back and relax as the rural meadows, longhorn cattle, and cedar trees move gracefully by your view. With no schedule to meet, you can really appreciate the perspective you can't get while driving in a car. The gentle sway of the train and the sounds it makes going over the tracks is enough to lull anyone to sleep.
The Hill Country Flyer runs from Cedar Park, Texas to Burnet, Texas and takes approximately 6 hours for the complete experience. The train never gets over 20 mph so passengers can take in all in and just sit back and relax.
Booking Information
Departures are Sat. and Sun. at 10 a.m. Mar. - Nov. and 10 a.m. Sat. in Dec.
Call for information on Twilight Flyer excursions at night in Sept., Oct., and Dec.
Child $17, Adult $27, Senior $24
Lounge fares: Child $26, Adult $42, Senior $38
Ready to take your seat?
To make reservations please contact:
Austin Steam Train Association
610 Brazos St., Suite 210
P.O. Box 1632, Austin, Texas 78767
Phone: (512) 477-8468
e-mail: [email protected]
Enjoying my content? Please help support my efforts by resteeming.
Thanks So Much - Liquidtravel
Congratulations, Your Post Has Been Added To The Steemit Worldmap!
Author link: http://steemitworldmap.com?author=liquidtravel
Post link: http://steemitworldmap.com?post=gunfights-cowboys-and-longhorn-cattle-3-reasons-to-ride-the-hill-country-flyer
Want to have your post on the map too?
Remembers me about those old movies and I really enjoy to see that still exists such things :)
thank you.
Congratulations! This post has been upvoted from the communal account, @minnowsupport, by Liquidtravel from the Minnow Support Project. It's a witness project run by aggroed, ausbitbank, teamsteem, theprophet0, someguy123, neoxian, followbtcnews, and netuoso. The goal is to help Steemit grow by supporting Minnows. Please find us at the Peace, Abundance, and Liberty Network (PALnet) Discord Channel. It's a completely public and open space to all members of the Steemit community who voluntarily choose to be there.
If you would like to delegate to the Minnow Support Project you can do so by clicking on the following links: 50SP, 100SP, 250SP, 500SP, 1000SP, 5000SP.
Be sure to leave at least 50SP undelegated on your account.
More good content! I'm glad I chose to follow you. This looks like a fun experience and gives me a reason to fly south :) I've always wanted to have a train/lounge experience but they're extremely expensive here in Canada for a nice trip. This on the other hand I can afford!
FYI, they also do murder mystery events on this train which my wife and I plan on in the future.
Such a beautiful train! And awesome pics :)
Thank you