All aboard for bicentennial train ride

Warren countians who would like to take a train ride back into history will get their chance at the Bicentennial Celebration with the official Bicentennial Train Ride & Excursion, presented by Caney Fork and Western Railroad and Bicentennial Steering Committee.
Tickets are $10 for adults, and $6 for children under 12, and will be available in advance at the office of Warren County Executive John Pelham, Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Requests for tickets may also be left on voicemail at 473-2505 on nights and weekends.
With a total of 10 trips with 40 passengers each, there will be only 400 tickets.
The special train, with a renovated antique caboose, will run from Depot Bottom to Morrison and back again, giving those on board a unique perspective of Warren County as seen from the railroad tracks.
Though local railroads played a major part in Warren County’s history, most agree there are probably few residents today who have ridden the rails here, since passenger runs ceased in the 1960s in Warren County.
The bright yellow caboose will be decorated with antique lanterns and be fitted with seating to accommodate 40 passengers.
According to Bicentennial Steering Committee member Larry Flatt, the county is pleased everything came together to provide the train rides.
‘The Caney Fork & Western has been very supportive of the bicentennial,’ Flatt said. ‘They’re actually going to put in new brakes and refurbish that caboose at their expense, and allow us to go in and redecorate it. John Pelham’s brother Michael and a team of volunteers is going to put in a new wood floor, some wood around the walls and some antique lanterns and fittings.’
The ride will also be authentic for the era. There will be no air conditioning or restroom facilities on the car itself, though there will be some available at each end of the round trip. The train will run at 10 mph and there will be no stops along the route.

Train Schedule

Friday, July 4
‘ 8 a.m.
‘ 10:30 a.m.
‘ 1 p.m.
‘ 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 5
‘ 8 a.m.
‘ 10:30 a.m.
‘ 1 p.m.
‘ 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 6
‘ 12:30 p.m.
‘ 3 p.m.