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The '''Birmingham Zoo Express''' is a two-foot gauge zoo train at the [[Birmingham Zoo]].
The '''Birmingham Zoo Express''' and the '''Red Diamond Express''' are two-foot gauge zoo trains operating at the [[Birmingham Zoo]] in [[Lane Park]].  


The train consists of an electric-powered engine and four open passenger carriages totaling 88 feet long with a seating capacity of about 65-75 people. The train's circuit includes 4,200 feet of track.
Both trains operate on the zoo's 4,200-foot rail circuit. Train rides cost $2.25 per person. Riders purchase tokens at a kiosk that are handed to the conductor before boarding. The current conductor is [[Joe Meadow]].


Train rides cost $2.25 per person. Riders purchase tokens at a kiosk that are handed to the conductor before boarding. The current conductor is [[Joe Meadow]].
==History==
The zoo train, in its various incarnations, has provided over 2 million rides to zoo visitors.
 
From [[1957]] to 1976, the zoo operated three small trains, which were miniature representations of the first generation of streamlined diesel locomotives.  Currently, these trains are set to undergo a restoration at the Southeastern Railway Museum near Atlanta, Georgia.


From [[1976]] to [[2001]] the zoo operated a Crown propane-fired steam locomotive. This train was sold to the [[Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum]]. It was painstakingly repaired by mechanic [[Denverd Moss]] and is currently operated as the "[[Shelby & Southern Railroad]]" at the [[Calera]] museum.
From [[1976]] to [[2001]] the zoo operated a Crown propane-fired steam locomotive. This train was sold to the [[Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum]]. It was painstakingly repaired by mechanic [[Denverd Moss]] and is currently operated as the "[[Shelby & Southern Railroad]]" at the [[Calera]] museum.


From [[1957]] to 1976, the zoo operated three smaller trains, which were miniature representations of the first-generation of streamlined diesel locomotives. Currently, these trains are set to undergo a restoration at the Southeastern Railway Museum, near Atlanta, Ga.
The "Birmingham Zoo Express" went into service in [[2001]]. It consists of an propane-powered engine and four open passenger carriages totaling 88 feet long with a seating capacity of about 65-75 people.
 
The "Red Diamond Express" was purchased and donated by [[Red Mountain Coffee and Tea]] in [[2008]]. The new train is constructed from recycled materials and has an African theme to coincide with the planned "[[Trails of Africa]]'' exhibit.


==References==
==References==
* Batson, Roger Jr (July 5, 2007) "Zoo train conductor rides rail to relaxation despite old job injury." ''Birmingham News''.
* [http://www.birminghamrewound.com/fun-and-games.htm Birmingham Rewound: Fun & Games] www.birminghamrewound.com (October 21, 2006). Retrieved on 2007-7-23
* Lathrop, Dave (November 6, 2005) "[http://www.shelbyandsouthernrr.com/updates.htm Steam returns to Alabama]". Railway Preservation News Briefs.
* Lathrop, Dave (November 6, 2005) "[http://www.shelbyandsouthernrr.com/updates.htm Steam returns to Alabama]". Railway Preservation News Briefs
* [http://www.birminghamrewound.com/fun-and-games.htm Birmingham Rewound: Fun & Games] www.birminghamrewound.com (October 21, 2006). Retrieved on 2007-7-23.
* Batson, Roger Jr (July 5, 2007) "Zoo train conductor rides rail to relaxation despite old job injury." ''Birmingham News''
* Wolfson, Hannah (May 20, 2008) "All Aboard! Birmingham Zoo adds second train." ''Birmingham News''


==External links==
==External links==

Revision as of 22:02, 20 May 2008

The Birmingham Zoo Express and the Red Diamond Express are two-foot gauge zoo trains operating at the Birmingham Zoo in Lane Park.

Both trains operate on the zoo's 4,200-foot rail circuit. Train rides cost $2.25 per person. Riders purchase tokens at a kiosk that are handed to the conductor before boarding. The current conductor is Joe Meadow.

History

The zoo train, in its various incarnations, has provided over 2 million rides to zoo visitors.

From 1957 to 1976, the zoo operated three small trains, which were miniature representations of the first generation of streamlined diesel locomotives. Currently, these trains are set to undergo a restoration at the Southeastern Railway Museum near Atlanta, Georgia.

From 1976 to 2001 the zoo operated a Crown propane-fired steam locomotive. This train was sold to the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. It was painstakingly repaired by mechanic Denverd Moss and is currently operated as the "Shelby & Southern Railroad" at the Calera museum.

The "Birmingham Zoo Express" went into service in 2001. It consists of an propane-powered engine and four open passenger carriages totaling 88 feet long with a seating capacity of about 65-75 people.

The "Red Diamond Express" was purchased and donated by Red Mountain Coffee and Tea in 2008. The new train is constructed from recycled materials and has an African theme to coincide with the planned "Trails of Africa exhibit.

References

  • Birmingham Rewound: Fun & Games www.birminghamrewound.com (October 21, 2006). Retrieved on 2007-7-23
  • Lathrop, Dave (November 6, 2005) "Steam returns to Alabama". Railway Preservation News Briefs
  • Batson, Roger Jr (July 5, 2007) "Zoo train conductor rides rail to relaxation despite old job injury." Birmingham News
  • Wolfson, Hannah (May 20, 2008) "All Aboard! Birmingham Zoo adds second train." Birmingham News

External links

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