Monday, May 10, 1999
Train takes journey into happy times
BY MICHAEL D. CLARK
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LEBANON — It's a train whose only destination is deep into America's rich railway past.
Seven miles down the track and back is all the Turtle Creek Valley Railway train can offer in the way of transportation.
But the real journey for those on board is traveling back into a time when “iron horses” ruled the Midwest of the 19th century.
The historic railway runs out of a replica of a last-century train station, just south of Lebanon's main intersection on South Broadway.
Visitors can hop aboard the bright red passenger cars, or an open-air gondola car, for a small price. Part-time conductors, brakemen and engineers pull double duty as tour guides for those too young to have ridden a train before, and those old enough to have never forgotten the experience.
Conductor and tour guide Jack Laubisch works up a powerful head of steam whenever talking about trains. An avid collector of model trains, his work on the Turtle Creek Valley Railway is an extension of a boyhood dream.
“I'm a model railroader. At night I get to play with the models at home and during the day I get to play on the big ones,” said Mr. Laubisch, a retired teacher.
“The idea is both about nostalgia and also about getting young people an opportunity to ride the trains. I really do enjoy it. It's a blast.”
The historic railway, which is co-owned by the city of Lebanon and the Indiana & Ohio Railroad, has tracks that stretch seven miles into the rural Warren County countryside. Crews from I&O keep a close eye on the tracks through twice-weekly check-ups, part of its regular maintenance schedule.
The track on which the Turtle Creek Valley Railway runs was laid in 1880, when earlier, narrow gauge track was abandoned.
More than 35,000 visitors ride the train each year. Sea sonal promotions have special events centering on Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
Deer, fox, farm animals and, this time of year, large blue herons nesting near the tracks, are often spotted during the 90-minute ride, Mr. Laubisch said.
“Overall we just hope it's an interesting and fun ride,” he said.
That's what keeps Sandra Beeson coming regularly.
The West Carrollton resident brings her two boys, ages 2 and 4, whom she describes as being “fascinated with trains.”
“It's a lot of fun. They love it. Everyone that goes enjoys it,” said Ms. Beeson.
The train's leisurely roll through the rustic countryside reminds her of her youth in rural eastern Kentucky.
She said she especially appreciates the time and effort the train's staff puts into catering to young children — both entertaining them and educating about the old-time trains.
For adults, Murder Mystery rides have proved especially popular. These include enactments of a murder mystery during a ride and dinner at the Golden Lamb Inn. In the fall are harvest-themed events — Bales on Rails and the Great Pumpkin Run.
For more information call (513) 398-8584.
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