Come to the Whippany Railway Museum on Sunday, Sept 9, for its first “Touch-A-Truck & Train Ride” event.  This family event offers children of all ages a hands-on opportunity to explore working trucks of all types, as well as meeting the people who build, protect and serve the local community.
The Touch-A-Truck & Train Ride event is a fundraising effort to benefit the Whippany Railway Museum, a 501(c)3 non-profit operating heritage railroad that is staffed by volunteers. Donations from the public help to keep the Museum operational, but funds are still required to support this unique New Jersey treasure, further enhance the museum’s mission and historic preservation efforts.
See a collection of vehicles – fire trucks, transport vehicles, construction vehicles and public health and safety trucks – that will be positioned on the museum grounds.  Attendees can climb into the cabs, honk the horns, examine the equipment, flash the lights and creatively explore the trucks with guidance from the respective professionals who will explain the equipment and discuss the work each vehicle performs.
Enter the cab of 120-ton, 111-year old steam locomotive No. 385; climb aboard the mid-1900’s excursion train as it makes a 10-mile, 45-minute round trip along the historic Whippanong Trail.  Each train ticket holder will receive a special commemorative keepsake of the day.
The trains feature a unique collection of restored vintage cabooses from historic rail lines that once served New Jersey and the Metropolitan area.  The excursion is a thrill for the children as they enjoy what for many, will be their very first train ride.and they can also learn about and experience the history of N.J.’s rich railroad and transportation heritage. Passengers can combine the experience of riding the train along with touring the Museum site, featuring its
outstanding collection of historic railroad locomotives, rolling stock, operating model train layouts and vintage farm tractors.

Visitors can upgrade their excursion experience by choosing to ride in an elegantly-restored 1927-era Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ) ‘Club Car’ Jersey Coast. The car has the look and feel of a private club with individual leather chairs, mahogany interior accented with stained glass, built-in tables and period ceiling fans. The Jersey Coast recalls the 1930’s when

the CNJ operated its deluxe coach train, The Blue Comet, between Jersey City and Atlantic City. The striking paint scheme of cream and blue reminds one of a comet streaking through space. It is the only car of its type operating in New Jersey.

Trains depart from museum site at 1 Railroad Plaza in Whippany.
For more info, call (973) 887-8177 or visit at
www.WhippanyRailwayMuseum.net.