Steam Specials & Charters Calendar

This calendar features upcoming steam train charters, photo specials, mainline steam excursions, and other unique steam operating events in the U.S. & Canada. For a full calendar of all railfan events, including special diesel-powered excursions, rare mileage trips, and railroad festivals, please see our Railfan Events & Excursions Calendar. For additions to this page, please Submit Your Event.

See also: Tourist Railroads, Steam Locomotives, Locomotive Records & Statistics, Steam Photos, YouTube Vids
Last updated April 11, 2019.

APRIL 2019

April 20: Grand Canyon Railway Steam Excursion to the Canyon
Steam-powered excursions to the Grand Canyon with 2-8-2 #4960 - Williams, Arizona
More information: Grand Canyon Railway
Related photos: Grand Canyon Railway Steam Photos (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: Steam to the Grand Canyon (Yard Goat Images)

April 20: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum "Summerville Steam Special"
Southern 2-8-2 #4501 or 2-8-0 #630 leads a trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Summerville, Georgia
More information: Tennessee Valley Railroad
Related photos: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Photos (SteamPhotos.com)

April 20: North Carolina Transportation Museum "Easter Bunny Express"
Jeddo Coal 0-4-0 steam locomotive #85 pulls the caboose train for one day only - Spencer, North Carolina
More information: NC Transportation Museum

April 26-27: Steam Railroading Institute "Boardman River Rambler"
Visiting steam locomotive Lehigh Valley Coal Co. 0-6-0 #126 pulls four trips per day from Kalkaska, Michigan
More information: Steam Railroading Institute
Related photos: Steam Railroading Institute in Summer & Fall Gallery (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: The Great Gathering at Owosso (Yard Goat Images)

April 27-28: Fillmore & Western Railway Steam RailFest 2019
Baldwin 2-8-0 #14 leads excursions plus antique tractors, caboose rides, and more - Fillmore, California
More information: Fillmore & Western Railway

April 27 - May 9: Transcontinental Railroad 150th Anniversary
UP 4-8-4 #844 and Big Boy 4-8-8-4 #4014 to operate from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Ogden, Utah for the 150th anniversary celebration on May 9 in Ogden
More information: Union Pacific Steam
Related video: Union Pacific Steam (Yard Goat Images)

April 28-29: Texas State Railroad Photo Charter
Tremont & Gulf 2-8-2 #30 (Texas State #400) leads a photo freight, plus night photo session - Palestine, Texas
More information: Lerro Productions
Related photos: Texas State Railroad Photo Gallery (SteamPhotos.com)

MAY 2019

May 4: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum "Summerville Steam Special"
Southern 2-8-2 #4501 or 2-8-0 #630 leads a trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Summerville, Georgia
More information: Tennessee Valley Railroad
Related photos: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Photos (SteamPhotos.com)

May 4: Grand Canyon Railway Steam Excursion to the Canyon
Steam-powered excursion to the Grand Canyon with 2-8-2 #4960 - Williams, Arizona
More information: Grand Canyon Railway
Related photos: Grand Canyon Railway Steam Photos (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: Steam to the Grand Canyon (Yard Goat Images)

May 10-12: Spike 150 at Promontory Summit
Jupiter and #119 replica steam locomotives to arrive Friday morning for a 3-day festival at the Golden Spike National Historic Site west of Brigham City, Utah
More information: Golden Spike Foundation and National Park Service

May 11-12: Niles Canyon Railway Mallet Railfan Events
Columbia River Belt Line 2-4-4-2 #7 ("Skookum") and Clover Valley Lumber 2-6-6-2T #4 lead two trips each day with photo runbys - Fremont, California
More information: Niles Canyon Railway

May 12-19: Transcontinental Railroad 150th Anniversary
UP 4-8-4 #844 and Big Boy 4-8-8-4 #4014 doublehead the return from Ogden, Utah to Cheyenne, Wyoming, including a public excursion from Ogden to Evanston on May 12
More information: Union Pacific Steam & Golden Spike Foundation Excursion
Related video: Union Pacific Steam (Yard Goat Images)

May 18: Iowa Interstate Steam Excursions
Iowa Interstate QJ steam locomotive #6988 powers four trips from Chillicothe to Henry, Illinois
More information: City of Chillicothe
Photos: TrainFestival 2011 w/ Iowa Interstate QJs (SteamPhotos.com)
Video: Steamin' Summer Volume 2 (Yard Goat Images)

May 18: North Wales 150th Anniversary Steam Train Excursions
New Hope & Ivyland 2-8-0 #40 leads four round-trips between North Wales and Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania
More information: New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
Photos: New Hope & Ivyland Railroad (SteamPhotos.com)

May 18-19: Walkersville Southern Railroad Steam Trains
Jeddo Coal 0-4-0 steam locomotive #85 pulls three excursions each day - Walkersville, Maryland
More information: Walkersville Southern Railroad

May 25-27: Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Steam Excursions
Steam excursions with Santa Fe 4-6-2 #3415 from Abilene, Kansas
More information: Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Related video: Midwest Steam Part 2 (Yard Goat Images)

May 25-27: Walkersville Southern Railroad Steam Trains
Jeddo Coal 0-4-0 steam locomotive #85 pulls three excursions each day, plus Saturday evening railfan special with runbys north of Walkersville towards Woodsboro - Walkersville, Maryland
More information: Walkersville Southern Railroad

JUNE 2019

June 1: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum "Summerville Steam Special"
Southern 2-8-2 #4501 or 2-8-0 #630 leads a trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Summerville, Georgia
More information: Tennessee Valley Railroad
Related photos: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Photos (SteamPhotos.com)

June 1: Grand Canyon Railway Steam Excursion to the Canyon
Steam-powered excursion to the Grand Canyon with 2-8-2 #4960 - Williams, Arizona
More information: Grand Canyon Railway
Related photos: Grand Canyon Railway Steam Photos (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: Steam to the Grand Canyon (Yard Goat Images)

June 1-2: Walkersville Southern Railroad Steam Trains
Jeddo Coal 0-4-0 steam locomotive #85 pulls three excursions each day - Walkersville, Maryland
More information: Walkersville Southern Railroad

June 8-9: Black River & Western Railroad Railfest
Black River 2-8-0 #60 leads four trips per day from Flemington to Ringoes, plus model trains, live steam, and caboose rides to Bowne - Flemington, New Jersey
More information: Black River Railroad Historical Trust
Photos: Black River & Western Railroad Photos (SteamPhotos.com)

June 8-9: Steam Railroading Institute "Clam Lake Clipper"
Visiting steam locomotive Lehigh Valley Coal Co. 0-6-0 #126 leads one-hour trips from Cadillac, Michigan
More information: Steam Railroading Institute
Related photos: Steam Railroading Institute in Summer & Fall Gallery (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: The Great Gathering at Owosso (Yard Goat Images)

June 15: Steam Railroading Institute "Trains & Tractors"
Visiting steam locomotive Lehigh Valley Coal Co. 0-6-0 #126 leads three trips from Owosso, Michigan
More information: Steam Railroading Institute
Related photos: Steam Railroading Institute in Summer & Fall Gallery (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: The Great Gathering at Owosso (Yard Goat Images)

June 22: Steam Railroading Institute "Hobo Camp Excursions"
Visiting steam locomotive Lehigh Valley Coal Co. 0-6-0 #126 leads three trips from Owosso, Michigan
More information: Steam Railroading Institute
Related photos: Steam Railroading Institute in Summer & Fall Gallery (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: The Great Gathering at Owosso (Yard Goat Images)

June 22-23: Milwaukee Road 261 Hiawatha Excursions
Milwaukee Road 4-8-4 #261 leads round-trip excursions from Minneapolis to Glencoe and Winthrop, Minnesota
More information: Friends of the 261
Photos: Milwaukee Road 261 Photos (SteamPhotos.com)
Video: Steam Specials in the Heartland (Yard Goat Images)

JULY 2019

July 4-5: Steam Railroading Institute "The Patriot"
Visiting steam locomotive Lehigh Valley Coal Co. 0-6-0 #126 leads one-hour trips from Fife Lake, Michigan
More information: Steam Railroading Institute
Related photos: Steam Railroading Institute in Summer & Fall Gallery (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: The Great Gathering at Owosso (Yard Goat Images)

July 4-6: Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Steam Excursions
Steam excursions with Santa Fe 4-6-2 #3415 from Abilene, Kansas
More information: Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Related video: Midwest Steam Part 2 (Yard Goat Images)

July 6: Grand Canyon Railway Steam Excursion to the Canyon
Steam-powered excursion to the Grand Canyon with 2-8-2 #4960 - Williams, Arizona
More information: Grand Canyon Railway
Related photos: Grand Canyon Railway Steam Photos (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: Steam to the Grand Canyon (Yard Goat Images)

July 6 & 20: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum "Summerville Steam Special"
Southern 2-8-2 #4501 or 2-8-0 #630 leads a trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Summerville, Georgia
More information: Tennessee Valley Railroad
Related photos: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Photos (SteamPhotos.com)

July 20: Steam Railroading Institute "Hobo Camp Excursions"
Visiting steam locomotive Lehigh Valley Coal Co. 0-6-0 #126 leads two trips from Owosso, Michigan
More information: Steam Railroading Institute
Related photos: Steam Railroading Institute in Summer & Fall Gallery (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: The Great Gathering at Owosso (Yard Goat Images)

AUGUST 2019

August 3: Grand Canyon Railway Steam Excursion to the Canyon
Steam-powered excursion to the Grand Canyon with 2-8-2 #4960 - Williams, Arizona
More information: Grand Canyon Railway
Related photos: Grand Canyon Railway Steam Photos (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: Steam to the Grand Canyon (Yard Goat Images)

August 3: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum "Summerville Steam Special"
Southern 2-8-2 #4501 or 2-8-0 #630 leads a trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Summerville, Georgia
More information: Tennessee Valley Railroad
Related photos: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Photos (SteamPhotos.com)

August 4-5: Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad Steam
Jeddo Coal 0-4-0 steam locomotive #85 powers two weekends of steam excursions from Lebanon, Ohio
More information: Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad

August 11-12: Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad Steam
Jeddo Coal 0-4-0 steam locomotive #85 powers two weekends of steam excursions from Lebanon, Ohio
More information: Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad

August 17: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum "Summerville Steam Special"
Southern 2-8-2 #4501 or 2-8-0 #630 leads a trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Summerville, Georgia
More information: Tennessee Valley Railroad
Related photos: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Photos (SteamPhotos.com)

August 17-18: Howell Melon Festival Excursions
Pere Marquette 2-8-4 #1225 leads one hour excursions from Howell to Byron, Michigan
Details forthcoming: Howell Melon Festival
Related photos: Steam Railroading Institute in Summer & Fall Gallery (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: The Great Gathering at Owosso (Yard Goat Images)

August 24-25: Tweetsie Railroad "Railroad Heritage Weekend"
Two days of train rides with steam locomotives 4-6-0 #12 and 2-8-2 #190 - Blowing Rock, North Carolina
More information: Tweetsie Railroad
Related photos: Tweetsie Railroad Railfan Weekend Photos (SteamPhotos.com)

August 31 - September 2: Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Steam Excursions
Steam excursions with Santa Fe 4-6-2 #3415 from Abilene, Kansas
More information: Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Related video: Midwest Steam Part 2 (Yard Goat Images)

SEPTEMBER 2019

September 4-7: 39th National Narrow Gauge Convention
Annual convention includes California State Railroad Museum shop tours, double-headed steam at Railtown 1897, layout tours, museum visits, clinics, contests, and more - Sacramento, California
More information: National Narrow Gauge Convention

September 6-8: Cass Scenic Railroad 2019 Rail Heritage Weekend
Friday trip from Durbin toward Cass, Saturday from Cass toward Durbin, and Sunday from Cass to Whittaker - Cass, West Virginia
More information: Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad
Related photos: Cass Railfan Weekend Photos (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: Cass Railfan Weekend (Yard Goat Images)

September 7: Grand Canyon Railway Steam Excursion to the Canyon
Steam-powered excursions to the Grand Canyon with 2-8-2 #4960 - Williams, Arizona
More information: Grand Canyon Railway
Related photos: Grand Canyon Railway Steam Photos (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: Steam to the Grand Canyon (Yard Goat Images)

September 14: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum "Summerville Steam Special"
Southern 2-8-2 #4501 or 2-8-0 #630 leads a trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Summerville, Georgia
More information: Tennessee Valley Railroad
Related photos: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Photos (SteamPhotos.com)

September 20-22: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad "Steam in the Valley"
Nickel Plate 2-8-4 #765 leads excursions from Independence and Akron, Ohio
Details forthcoming: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

September 21: Everett Railroad "Steam Into The Cove"
Alco 2-6-0 steam locomotive #11 powers a 27-mile round-trip excursion from Hollidaysburg to Martinsburg, PA
More information: Everett Railroad
Related photos: Everett Railroad Photos (SteamPhotos.com)

September 21: Grand Canyon Railway Steam Excursion to the Canyon
Steam-powered excursions to the Grand Canyon with 2-8-2 #4960 - Williams, Arizona
More information: Grand Canyon Railway
Related photos: Grand Canyon Railway Steam Photos (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: Steam to the Grand Canyon (Yard Goat Images)

September 27-29: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad "Steam in the Valley"
Nickel Plate 2-8-4 #765 leads excursions from Independence and Akron, Ohio
Details forthcoming: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

September 27-30: N&W 611 at the Strasburg Rail Road
Norfolk & Western #611 leads four 45-minute excursions each day - Strasburg, Pennsylvania
More information: Strasburg Rail Road
Related photos: Norfolk & Western 611 Photos & Strasburg Rail Road Photos (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: Steam on the Norfolk Southern & Pennsylvania Steam Stories (Yard Goat Images)

September 28: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum "Summerville Steam Special"
Southern 2-8-2 #4501 or 2-8-0 #630 leads a trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Summerville, Georgia
More information: Tennessee Valley Railroad
Related photos: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Photos (SteamPhotos.com)

 OCTOBER 2019

October 4: N&W 611 at the Strasburg Rail Road
Norfolk & Western #611 leads 45-minute excursions - Strasburg, Pennsylvania
More information: Strasburg Rail Road
Related photos: Norfolk & Western 611 Photos & Strasburg Rail Road Photos (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: Steam on the Norfolk Southern & Pennsylvania Steam Stories (Yard Goat Images)

October 5: Steam Railroading Institute "Cadillac Limited"
Pere Marquette 2-8-4 #1225 leads an excursion from Mt. Pleasant to Cadillac, Michigan
Details forthcoming: Steam Railroading Institute
Related photos: Steam Railroading Institute in Summer & Fall Gallery (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: The Great Gathering at Owosso (Yard Goat Images)

October 5: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum "Summerville Steam Special"
Southern 2-8-2 #4501 or 2-8-0 #630 leads a trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Summerville, Georgia
More information: Tennessee Valley Railroad
Related photos: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Photos (SteamPhotos.com)

October 5: Grand Canyon Railway Steam Excursion to the Canyon
Steam-powered excursion to the Grand Canyon with 2-8-2 #4960 - Williams, Arizona
More information: Grand Canyon Railway
Related photos: Grand Canyon Railway Steam Photos (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: Steam to the Grand Canyon (Yard Goat Images)

October 5-6: Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Steam Excursions
Steam excursions with Santa Fe 4-6-2 #3415 from Abilene, Kansas
More information: Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Related video: Midwest Steam Part 2 (Yard Goat Images)

October 5-7: N&W 611 at the Strasburg Rail Road
Norfolk & Western #611 and #475 in morning, afternoon, and night photo sessions - Strasburg, Pennsylvania
More information: Strasburg Rail Road
Related photos: Norfolk & Western 611 Photos & Strasburg Rail Road Photos (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: Steam on the Norfolk Southern & Pennsylvania Steam Stories (Yard Goat Images)

October 12: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum "Summerville Steam Special"
Southern 2-8-2 #4501 or 2-8-0 #630 leads a trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Summerville, Georgia
More information: Tennessee Valley Railroad
Related photos: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Photos (SteamPhotos.com)

October 12-13: Allentown & Auburn Railroad Steam Days (tentative)
Jeddo Coal 0-4-0 steam locomotive #85 leads a weekend of trips from Kutztown to Topton, PA
Details forthcoming: Allentown & Auburn Railroad

October 19-20 & 26-27: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum "Summerville Steam Special"
Southern 2-8-2 #4501 or 2-8-0 #630 leads a trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Summerville, Georgia
More information: Tennessee Valley Railroad
Related photos: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Photos (SteamPhotos.com)

NOVEMBER 2019

November 2: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum "Summerville Steam Special"
Southern 2-8-2 #4501 or 2-8-0 #630 leads a trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Summerville, Georgia
More information: Tennessee Valley Railroad
Related photos: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Photos (SteamPhotos.com)

November 2-3: Cass Climax Centennial Homecoming
Moore-Keppel Climax #9 leads a 2-day photo special along with a Shay and Heisler - Cass, West Virginia
More information: Trains Magazine
Related photos: Cass Railfan Weekend Photos (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: Cass Railfan Weekend (Yard Goat Images)

November 9-10: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum "Summerville Steam Special"
Southern 2-8-2 #4501 and/or 2-8-0 #630 leads a trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Summerville, Georgia
More information: Tennessee Valley Railroad
Related photos: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Photos (SteamPhotos.com)

November 14-15: Sierra Railway Photo Charter
Sierra Railway 4-6-0 #3 leads a two day charter over the Sierra Northern Railway - Jamestown, California
Details forthcoming: Lerro Productions

November 16, 17, 23, 24, 30: Steam Railroading Institute "North Pole Express"
Pere Marquette 2-8-4 #1225 powers the annual Christmas excursions from Owosso, Michigan
More information: Steam Railroading Institute
Related photos: Steam Railroading Institute in Winter Gallery (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: The Great Gathering at Owosso (Yard Goat Images)

DECEMBER 2019

December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21: Steam Railroading Institute "North Pole Express"
Pere Marquette 2-8-4 #1225 powers the annual Christmas excursions from Owosso, Michigan
More information: Steam Railroading Institute
Related photos: Steam Railroading Institute in Winter Gallery (SteamPhotos.com)
Related video: The Great Gathering at Owosso (Yard Goat Images)

December 14: Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway Museum "Victorian Christmas"
Steam train rides and horse-drawn sleigh rides during this annual event in Alna, Maine
More information: WW&F Railway Museum
Video: Pennsylvania Steam Stories - Bonus Feature (Yard Goat Images)

FEBRUARY 2020

February 11-12: Virginia & Truckee Railroad Photo Charter
V&T 2-8-0 #29 (relettered as LP&N #680) leads a two-day photo freight - Virginia City, Nevada
More information: Lerro Productions
Related photos: Virginia & Truckee Railroad (SteamPhotos.com)

February 14-16 & 21-23: Nevada Northern Railway "Winter Steam Photo Spectacular"
3-day weekend photographing freight and passenger trains with 2-8-0 #93 and 4-6-0 #40 - Ely, Nevada
More information: Nevada Northern Railway
Related photos: Nevada Northern Railway Winter Steam Spectacular (SteamPhotos.com)

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