Kiski Junction Railroad- Frequently Asked Questions
Who: is the Kiski Junction Railroad?
We are a working freight railroad, that serves Allegheny Ludlum Bagdad steel mill for a living, and operates tourist trains as a sideline. We have been in operation since 1995.-see history here
We have been Featured on Pennsylvania Cable Network, by Dave Crawley KDKA TV-2, in Westsylvania Magazine, are included in the Rivers of Steel Heritage Tours, and numerous regional newspapers, magazines and web sites. We work with many tourist agencies, schools and travel companies in the region. See our ads in Pittsburgh Parent Magazine. Click this link for who are we.
Come and enjoy a short, fun, safe, train ride on a real working railroad!
Buy the PCN video or DVD of our railroad produced in 2002 or check their site for re-broadcasts.
Safety Awards
We have numerous times earned the American Shortline, Regional, Railroad Association "Jake" award for safety and they are all proudly displayed in our station. We are also proud of our Federal Railroad Administration "no defects found" track safety inspections.
Member- Strongland Chamber of Commerce.
Member- Armstrong County Tourist Bureau
Member- Indiana County Tourist Bureau
What: do you do exactly?
What we do is pull custom remolded, clean, comfortable, safe passenger cars, many equipped with tables, on a one hour round trip ride, along the scenic Kiski River from Schenley to Bagdad and then back to Schenley, from June to October.
see pictures of the cars here,
See highlights of our tour here. (great pics)
When: do you run passenger trains?
Our 2007 schedule is here, trips can also be arranged at other times for groups of 50 or more, contact us for details. contact info on this page
On Tuesday and Fridays we reserve the right to service our mill customer if necessary on the trip, allow an extra half hour- this is fun for everyone. Only the locomotive & railroad crew enter the mill property, the passenger train stays on our main track with a good view for the passengers.
Tuesday is a discount day for Seniors 62+
Special events rides, Fall Leaf, Halloween and "Snow Dog Express"
Where: are you located?
We are located in Schenley , Gilpin Twp., Armstrong County, in the Southwest corner of Pennsylvania, about 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh- directions are here and from 28N here
How: can I make reservations or buy tickets to ride?
We do not sell tickets in advance, no reservations needed on regular runs, no deposits required, just come and ride. If you have a group it would be wise to call or email first so we can take all our cars along. All seats are first come first serve.
We suggest arriving 1/2 hour before departure because we leave EXACTLY on U.S. Atomic time and only run a single train per day,( we can be difficult to find and we do not hold the train for anyone, remember we are going to work! It is a heartbreak for little ones to miss the train).
We do run Fall Leaf Excursions and Halloween trains, these and other specials ARE operated on advanced reservations only all details are on the events page
We now accept these credit cards
How: can I make reservations or buy discount tickets for a group to ride?
We do not offer group discounts, however we can run at a special time of day or day of the week, for groups of 50 or more, as long as it does not interfere with our freight operations. If your group requires a special day or time please email or call with details.
Misc:
PLEASE READ- Thank
You food, bathrooms ,pets, etc.
1. You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and eat right on the train! We do have snacks and soft drinks in the station for sale that you are also welcome to take on the train. (Also at affordable prices).
2.There is no restroom on the train, we have port-a-johns on site.
3.Sorry no pets.
4.We have ample free parking including room for buses.
5.We are not handicap accessible, however we do have a boarding ramp, (with a drop down metal boarding plate), for the transfer caboose # 200. That caboose has tables and open decks on either end. One end has a 36" door to inside that can accommodate a wheelchair. The port-a johns however can not accommodate a wheelchair. see pictures of # 200 here
6.There are no seat belts on the train, we do not travel over 10 mph. We do have school bus seats and you are welcome to bring babies or toddlers in a carrier or stroller. We do ask that children not sit on the tables. You can not move between cars while the train is moving as each car is secured with gates.
7.Children are encouraged to ask any and all questions and we will try to answer (same for adults). We were kids once.
8.We do have a small gift shop with some souvenirs, most under $10, many under $5.
9.We are accepting credit cards, and we can take cash, travelers checks or personal checks with proper ID.
Sorry we do not have a Mac machine.
(Groups must pay for tickets upon arrival, we cannot bill for tickets).
10. Please contact us for any questions not answered here.