Birmingham Zoo Express: Difference between revisions
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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 "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 | The "Red Diamond Express" was purchased and donated by [[Red Diamond 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== | ||
Revision as of 22:03, 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 Diamond 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
- Birmingham Zoo website
- Shelby & Southern Railroad website
- Southeastern Railway Museum website
- Birmingham Rewound website