 | | Grand Canyon Railway is the historic line that runs from Williams, Arizona to the overwhelming Grand Canyon. Each train engine, both steam and diesel, and each train car, from Coach to First Class, has been painstakingly restored to its original state by a staff of mechanics. During the train tour, the crew is enthusiastic. Each is bursting with local and Grand Canyon folklore and history, as well as Grand Canyon Railway knowledge. And there's even fun recreations of an old fashioned shoot out and a train robbery. Making this almost a trip back in time.The Railway has three steam engines in its fleet. Engine 4960 is the pride of the fleet. 4960 is a 2-8-2 Mikado type built in 1923 by Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia. Engine 18 is a SC-4 class locomotives built in 1910 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in Pittsburgh, PA. It's a 2-8-0 consolidation-type engine and weighs 160 tons. The engine is being retired this year to be rebuilt for future use. Engine 18 made the re-inaugural run to the canyon on Sept. 17, 1989. Engine 29 has recently been completely rebuilt and will return to service summer of 2004. It's an SC-3 class locomotive built in 1906 by ALCO in Pittsburgh. It is a 2-8-0 consolidation-type engine and weighs 185 tons. Engine 29 served the line from March, 1990 through April, 1995. It now makes its return. The Railway features multiple diesel locomotives. All are FPA-4, built by ALCO in 1959. The FPA-4 model is unique in that it is designed to be longer for holding a steam generator in the back used for heating passenger cars.There are 5 classes of cars on the train coach, club, first, dome car, and parlor. The Coach class is the basic class and there are two subclasses among them: the Pullman and Budd. They both feature complimentary soft drinks, but the Budd features air conditioning and reversible seats. The club class features a fully stocked bar, pasties and coffee in the morning, as well as complimentary soft drinks. First class is next with the ever present complimentary soft drinks, continental breakfast in the morning, and champagne and appetizers on the return trip. Two of the four first class cars have special dome seating for a panoramic view of the trip to and from the canyon, but children are not allowed in these cars. The final class is the parlor car; the most luxurious car in the fleet featuring oversized windows, full service bar, and an open air observation deck out back. Fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and juice are provided throughout the morning. Champagne and appetizers complement the afternoon journey. |
| |  | | | Facilities: Grand Canyon Railway provides complimentary soft drinks in all classes, restrooms, and views of the area. Gas, food, and lodging can be found in Williams or the Grand Canyon Lodge. Reservations: Reservations are accepted at Grand Canyon Railway. Best Time To Visit: Grand Canyon Railway is open year round except Christmas and Christmas Eve. Fees: Rates change with each car and the time of year. Discounts exist for seniors over the age of 62. Several package deals exist for those who wish to spend a night or two. All classes of car feature complimentary soft drinks. Accessibility: Unknown Rules: No children under 10 in the Parlor or Dome cars. Directions: To reach the Grand Canyon Railway from I 40 in Williams, take the Grand Canyon Blvd. exit and to continue to the depot. | | |
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| | | | Address | | Grand Canyon Railway | | 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd. | | Williams, Arizona 86046 |
| | | Phone | | Reservations:1(800) 843-8724 | | (928) 773-1976 |
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