#PeachyChooChoo #PatrioticPeachy B&O Railroad Museum Unveils Restored National Icon to Kick Off America250

The B&O Railroad Museum unveiled the restored American Freedom Train No. 1 (AFT No. 1) today, the locomotive that pulled the American Freedom Train during the U.S. Bicentennial, presenting the legendary locomotive as a gift to the nation to kick off the America250 celebration. Once a centerpiece of the 1976 Bicentennial, the locomotive has been restored to serve as a modern symbol of national unity.

The unveiling ceremony included remarks from The Honorable Martin O’Malley, former two-term Governor of Maryland, representing the Maryland 250 Commission. He reflected on the Freedom Train’s enduring power to connect Americans through shared history and the fact that the railroad was Maryland’s gift to the nation. Bruno Maestri, Vice President of Government Affairs and Corporate Communications for Amtrak and B&O Railroad Museum Board Member, spoke about rail’s impact on the history of the country. The program culminated in a ribbon cutting to officially debut the restored locomotive.

As the American Freedom Train No. 1 was revealed, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner’s song “Here Comes the Freedom Train” filled the Roundhouse, stirring memories of the train’s original journey and its impact on millions of Americans. The moment was made even more meaningful by the presence of original engineers from the 1975–76 Freedom Train, who returned to stand beside the locomotive they once guided across the nation.

“The American Freedom Train and the locomotive that pulled it, the AFT No. 1, were a touring museum carrying artifacts representing the best of our country,” said Kris Hoellen, Executive Director of the B&O Railroad Museum. “Today, we are honoring this great nation and the mode of transportation that made the Freedom Train possible – the railroad, which is celebrating 200 years in 2027. The AFT No. 1 serves as a bridge connecting these two important anniversaries.”

The AFT No. 1 was one of three locomotives that pulled the American Freedom Train, a traveling exhibition that brought over 500 pieces of Americana to 7 million Americans during the U.S. Bicentennial in 1975-76. Now, after a meticulous cosmetic restoration, it will stand as a permanent symbol of national unity.

The Honorable Martin O’Malley, former Governor of Maryland, spoke about the sentiment of connection: “Maryland is proud to be the home of this national treasure. By preserving the AFT No. 1, we are preserving the memories of millions of Americans and reinforcing the unity of our state and country.”

The MD Two Fifty Commission was created by an executive order from Governor Wes Moore to plan, encourage, and execute an inclusive state-wide commemoration of the 250th in Maryland. The B&O Railroad Museum is an official partner of the America250 Commission.

The public is invited to view the locomotive and the corresponding new exhibit starting at 1 p.m. today; the newly cosmetically restored AFT No. 1 will be on permanent display at the Museum. The restoration was supported in part by a federal Save America’s Treasures grant administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

About the B&O Railroad Museum

The B&O Railroad Museum, located in Baltimore, Md., is the birthplace of American railroading, a National Historic Landmark, a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate, and a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site. It is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American railroading and its impact on American life, socially, culturally and economically. The Museum is home to the oldest, most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere, including an unparalleled roster of 19th and 20th century railroad equipment, over 30 million archival documents, the 1851 Mt. Clare Station, the 1884 Baldwin Roundhouse as well as the first mile of commercial railroad track ever laid in America. The Museum welcomes guests annually from all 50 states and 40 countries. For more information about the Museum, please call 410- 752-2490 or visit www.BORail.org. For more information about America 250 at the B&O Railroad Museum, please visit borail.events/America250. For more information on the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027, please visit www.americanrail200.org.

Read more...

#ChristmasPeachy #ChooChooPeachy #Model #Train #GrandCentralTerminal December 2025

Read more...

#WestCoastPeachy #PeachyChooChoo @metrolink @metrolosangeles LOS ANGELES UNION STATION TO HOST TRAIN FESTIVAL 2025: LA'S SPIRIT IN MOTION WITH RAILROAD EQUIPMENT, MODEL TRAIN DISPLAYS & MORE

The Free Festival Pulls Back Into Los Angeles Union Station for a Weekend of Trains, History & Family Fun on September 20 & 21, 2025

Los Angeles Union Station, with presenting partners Metro, Amtrak and Metrolink, will once again welcome train enthusiasts from Southern California and beyond to learn, explore and celebrate all things rail at the much-anticipated Train Festival 2025: LA's Spirit in Motion. This free, open-to-the-public community event is set for Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will offer visitors a dynamic lineup of railroad equipment tours and displays, model train exhibits, interactive information booths, live entertainment, giveaways, family-friendly activities and much more – all in celebration of Los Angeles' vibrant rail history and its evolving role in the city's future.

"Transportation is about more than getting from point A to point B — it's about the people, places, and stories that compel us to move. At Metro, we're proud to make those connections possible, and there's no better place to see that in action than Los Angeles Union Station," said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. "The Los Angeles Union Station Train Festival is a celebration of the journeys we embark on, the history that grounds us, and the communities we build through shared travel. Whether you're a lifelong rail enthusiast or simply curious about how transportation can shape our future, we invite you to join us for a weekend of discovery, excitement, and connection at Union Station."

An experiential trip through nearly 100 years of rail history, guests can visit tracks 13, 14, and 15, to tour and view displays of railroad equipment dating back as far as 1927 to present day marvels showcasing technological advances that continue to move the rail industry forward. Featured equipment will include the world-renowned Steam Locomotive, Santa Fe 3751, of the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society (SBRHS) that returns to Los Angeles Union Station where it pulled the first named passenger train into the station over 85 years ago. Additional train equipment displays from Amtrak, Metrolink, LARail.com and the Pacific Railroad Society will also be on site.

"Many kids today grow up reading about steam trains in their history books but will never actually see one in person," said Alex Gillman, President of the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society. "Santa Fe 3751 offers families, young and old alike, the chance to experience what a working, 874,000-pound steam locomotive looks like as they climb into the cab, meet the engineer and learn what it takes to keep this rare icon of American history operating today."

In the station's historic Ticket Concourse, guests can immerse themselves in four masterfully constructed and uniquely designed model train displays created by Southern California's premiere model train clubs. From reimagined townscapes to depictions of the most well-known trains and routes, guests of all ages will be wowed by the immense details and care shown in each exhibit. Model train partners include Southern California Z Scale Model Railroading Group, Group 160 NTRAK Club, Southern California S Gaugers Club, and Southern California Traction Club.

The recently restored South Patio will host interactive information booths for guests to speak with industry experts about recent and upcoming initiatives from Metrolink, Amtrak and California High-Speed Rail Authority. Metro will give away 5,000 commemorative TAP (Transit Assistance Program) Cards across the weekend. California High-Speed Rail Authority will debut an exciting new virtual reality experience that lets guests explore what the future of transportation could look like – through the eyes of local high school students. Created as part of a student internship project, this immersive experience invites visitors to board a futuristic train mock-up and see imaginative concepts brought to life in VR.

Additional docent stands from Metro Art and Los Angeles Conservancy will be positioned throughout the station for guests to learn about the fascinating architecture, art and history of what many have deemed "The Last of the Great Train Stations." This includes, for the first time in many years, the public being welcomed into the historic Fred Harvey space to learn about the famous restaurant chain and 'Harvey Girls' – trailblazing women who brought charm and hospitality to railroad systems in the early 20th century. The original restaurant was designed by Mary Coulter, widely known as the inventor of Southwestern design, whose intricate details can still be seen throughout the space today thanks to the station's dedicated effort to preserve Coulter's original design choices and architectural legacy. For a unique guided experience of this space and other areas of the station, join California Preservation Foundation for one of four Hidden Gems Tours – a guided walking tour held at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day, conducted by the station's director of construction and restoration. The Hidden Gems experience is done in conjunction with the statewide program, Doors Open California with limited space and registration required HERE.

An all-ages event, there will be a kid's zone in the Fred Harvey space for junior conductors where they will get their very own conductor hat and also enjoy photo opportunities posing with Travel Town Museum's restored Railway Express Agency delivery truck. To entice attendees to visit all activations, guests can visit and receive stamps at designated event stops to redeem their completed Train Festival Experience Pass for a limited-edition poster and commemorative pin. For more keepsakes, Metro Shop will be selling an assortment of Metro branded clothing and accessories and Merch Motel will be selling limited-edition merchandise inspired by the iconography of Los Angeles Union Station.

Los Angeles Union Station, along with its presenting and exhibit partners, is excited to celebrate the far-reaching legacy of rail in Southern California and welcomes all to join in these one-of-a-kind festivities.

To learn more about Los Angeles Union Station Train Festival 2025: LA's Spirit in Motion, visit unionstationla.com.

About Los Angeles Union Station

Since its opening in 1939, Los Angeles Union Station has long been considered one of LA's architectural gems and a vital portal to the promise of the California Dream. The Station was designed with an innovative blend of Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival and Art Deco architecture now commonly referred to as Mission Moderne. The bustling 52-acre transportation hub sits in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles offering essential connections to destinations throughout Southern California. An iconic landmark, the Station serves as a vibrant symbol of Downtown's renaissance connecting the historic fabric of the past to the present through arts, culture, transit and community. Conceived on a grand scale, Los Angeles Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States and is often regarded as "the last of the great train stations." For more information, visit unionstationla.com or follow @unionstationla on social media.

About Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 1 million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses.

Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, x.com/metrolosangeles, x.com/MetroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.

GETTING THERE

Union Station is accessible via Metro Rail, Metro Bus, Metro Bike Share, Metrolink, Amtrak and several municipal bus lines. Take the Metro A, B, D or J Line directly to Los Angeles Union Station.

About Amtrak

For more than 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and modernized train travel. Offering a safe, environmentally efficient way to reach more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada, Amtrak provides travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak.com and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Metrolink

Metrolink regional passenger rail service offers reliable, safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation throughout Southern California. The Agency's 545.6 total service line miles and 67 stations across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and San Diego counties connect people, communities, and businesses and is an essential link in the region's mobility network. Metrolink's Arrow service, which launched in October 2022 with nine miles of track and four new stations between San Bernardino and Redlands, provides greater local and regional rail connectivity. To learn more about Metrolink, please visit metrolinktrains.com or follow @metrolink on social media.

Read more...

#PeachyChooChoo #PetitePeachy DAY OUT WITH THOMAS™: THE COLOR TOUR IS HEADING TO THE HENRY FORD FOR A COLORFUL TRAIN RIDE ADVENTURE

All aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine, everyone's favorite #1 blue engine is coming to town and bringing a colorful new spin to Day Out With Thomas events. For the first time ever, Thomas & Friends is celebrating the magic and beauty of color with Day Out With Thomas: The Color Tour. The Color Tour will be stopping at The Henry Ford's Greenfield Village May 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21, 2023. Also new this year is the offering of an early-access 9 a.m. ticket to be the first to ride Thomas. Simply select the 9 a.m. ticket time during online checkout for early entry.

Day Out With Thomas is a fun-filled family event that includes an interactive train ride with a life-size Thomas the Tank Engine as well as access to a full day of activities for all to enjoy. Families will be able to enjoy live entertainment, photo ops with Sir Topham Hatt, lawn games and a pop-up gift shop for exclusive Thomas swag.

Guests can expect plenty of colorful, family-friendly activities, and fans will be able to snap photos with Thomas, who will be adorned with a rainbow of paint splats. With plenty of fun for everyone, guests are encouraged to invite family and friends to create new memories that are certain to last a lifetime. This celebration of color is not to be missed.

Tickets for an unforgettable day at Day Out With Thomas: The Color Tour are on sale now and available at thehenryford.org. Admission includes a timed ticket to ride on Thomas the Tank Engine and themed programming for your littlest engineer — plus, all-day access to Greenfield Village for over 80 acres of inspiration. Advanced tickets are required.

For more information, visit thehenryford.org.

About Mattel Inc.

Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children's and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High™, and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com.

About The Henry Ford

Located in Dearborn, Michigan, The Henry Ford is a globally recognized destination that fosters inspiration and learning from hands-on encounters with artifacts representing the most comprehensive collection anywhere focusing on innovation, ingenuity, and resourcefulness. Its unique venues include Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Benson Ford Research Center, Giant Screen Experience and Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school. The Henry Ford inspires every individual to unlock their potential and help shape a better future through a variety of channels including its online presence thehenryford.org, its Emmy®-winning national television series, The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation, and The Henry Ford's Invention Convention Worldwide, a global K-12 invention education curricular program that teaches students problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and creativity skills. With the support of a growing community of affiliates and supporters, The Henry Ford is the home of Raytheon Technologies Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, Invention Convention Globals and Invention Convention Michigan.

Read more...

SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL(TM) CALLS ALL ABOARD

MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS

SEASON PREMIERE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 AT 8 PM ET/PT

AND

MIGHTY TRAINS

SERIES PREMIERE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 AT 9 PM ET/PT

Embark on a journey across the globe on some of the world's most luxurious cruises and remarkable trains, exploring breathtaking landscapes on land and sea while experiencing the unique ways passengers can travel the world. Voyage on some of the most extraordinary vessels and locomotives and meet the engineers and crews behind these incredible machines as they travel to locales near and far; with first-class amenities, it's no wonder these trains and cruise ships are so distinguished. MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS and MIGHTY TRAINS premiere on Sunday, September 3 at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET/PT, respectively, on Smithsonian Channel.

Set sail on a series of first-class cruises with all-new episodes of MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS and travel to remote islands, exotic cities, untamed coasts and historic wonders. These ships go anywhere adventure calls, whisking passengers off to high-end, far-off destinations in Indonesia, French Polynesia, Cape Horn, Russia and beyond. Delivering breathtaking experiences, however, often means overcoming substantial obstacles, and crews work to ensure smooth sailing through dangerous waters and extreme weather aboard temperamental vessels on an enormous scale.

Climb aboard MIGHTY TRAINS and get an exclusive look at some of the world’s most iconic and extravagant locomotives. From vintage and luxury to high-speed and revolutionary, these mighty trains travel great distances, navigating honeymooners through Canada’s diverse terrain, commuters across Japan’s earthquake-prone tectonic plates and everyone in between. MIGHTY TRAINS joins some of the most expansive train lines and their crews as they work to transport passengers comfortably, punctually and in style.

MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS is produced by Karen McCairley and Richard Martyn of Bell Media/Exploration Production Inc. Joy Galane and David Royle serve as executive producers for Smithsonian Channel.

MIGHTY TRAINS is produced by Kathryn Oughtred and Kip Spidell of Bell Media/Exploration Production Inc. Joy Galane and David Royle serve as executive producers for Smithsonian Channel.

Smithsonian Channel™, owned by Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution, is where curiosity lives, inspiration strikes and wonders never cease. This is the place for awe-inspiring stories, powerful documentaries and amazing entertainment across multiple platforms. Smithsonian Channel combines the storytelling prowess of SHOWTIME® with the unmatched resources and rich traditions of the Smithsonian, to create award-winning programming that shines new light on popular genres such as air and space, history, science, nature, and pop culture. Among the network’s offerings are series including Aerial America, America in Color, First Ladies Revealed, Polar Bear Town, The Lost Tapes, Amazing Monkeys, America’s Secret Space Heroes, Mighty Ships, Mighty Planes and Air Disasters, as well as critically-acclaimed specials that include Titanic’s Fatal Fire, The Obama Years: the Power of Words, Nightmare on Everest, Diana and the Paparazzi, Diana: the Day We Said Goodbye and Flying High with Phil Keoghan. Smithsonian Networks also operates Smithsonian Earth(TM), through SN Digital LLC., a new subscription video streaming service delivering spectacular original nature and wildlife content. To learn more, go to www.smithsonianchannel.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Read more...