Holloween "TRAIN of TERROR" in Freeport IL

[OTTO-Sawyer]

Just wanted to post a couple pictures from previous years of the "TRAIN of TERROR" in Freeport IL.

This year it will be running on Three nights instead of Two with the dates being October 3rd, 10th, and 17th.

Train is normally pulled with the Heisler Logging Locomotive, but for the Night Runs they use a big Diesel Engine.

The Stephenson County Antique Engine Club's SILVER CREEK & STEPHENSON RAILROAD is located at the corner of Walnut & Lamm Roads 1/2 mile south of the Stephenson County Fairgrounds South of Freeport Illinois. All profits go right back into the railroad, museum (which is very costly to heat & maintain), and to help make up shortfalls during the threshing show during lean years.

Lots of 'SCARY' Displays along the tracks on both sides with haunted pirate ships, prison chain gang ghouls, Freddy Kruger attacking the train, etc...and a couple novel uses for old engines and drag saws "cutting up victims"

Some of the lumber I cut on the Sawmill at our Threshing Show goes into some of the buildings along the tracks used for the different displays.

Hopefully Joe Maurer and maybe others will have more pictures to post from previous years. If I get any more of them myself, I will try to post them before the 2nd & 3rd run on the 10th & 17th.

So far I've only posted the first run on Oct 3rd on the calendar, but I will be adding the other two dates eventually.

[OTTO-Sawyer]

First "Train of TERROR" run is tonight, to be followed up with more runs on the 10th & 17th.

I will try to get more picture tonight to post before the next run(s).

Also will be having Fall Harvest Demonstrations coming up on the 24th & 25th . I will be posting that on the calendar sometime soon.

[Brickman]

looks like a fun time otto , wish i could be there but to far away. looking forward to the next set of pics . i like the old gas engines in with the program neat display keep up the good work . ron brown in central illinois

[OTTO-Sawyer]

First Run this year ended up being a little dissapointing with low turnout, but it was a bit too early in the season and ended up being the same night as the local "Home Coming" at Freeport High School.

Some of the displays were set up but didn't have anyone in them due to other schedules as well.

Next two runs on the 10th & 17th should be back to the normal long lines with people lined up clear to the far end of the freight building even after loading the train with victims. Weather never seems to deter them from coming, but starting too early apparently did.

My camera is going to pot on me, but I did manage to get a few new pictures. Brought one of the Henney Hearse's over from accross the street and stuck a 'body' in it.....

More to follow, hopefully, if my camera holds up.

[OTTO-Sawyer]

2nd run is tomorrow night.....

Some runs may actually ride back & forth a couple extra partial trips depending on the weather..... a light drizzle can make the tracks slippery enough that sometimes the train needs to back up past the displays an extra time or two and take another run at the grade to make it over. Please be prepaired to wait in line what ever the weather ends up doing though, as it never seemed to affect the crowds over the years. Our first run this year, being much earlier than normal was the first time we didn't have twice as many people standing in line as what the train will hold each run. I believe it runs approx. every twenty minutes for this depending on track conditions and how soon the train makes it back in, so it isn't a real long wait once you get in line. Regular train runs at other times of the year are every hour on the hour.

The train will also be running in the daytime this weekend on the 10th & 11th for the Fall Change of Colors rides with the train being operated with the Heisler Logging Locomotive during the daytime runs and the Diesel at night for the "Train of Terror"

[OTTO-Sawyer]

The chain gang ghouls were missing last night due to the leader just having a heart defibrillator put in, and the dragsaw cutting victims in half was replaced with a piston pump powered "Blood Bank", pumping the 'blood' out of victims chest and bubbling up over holding tank.

Hopefully the chain gang will be back next week if they can find a temporary replacement, or if the leader makes a quick recovery. Modern medicine sometimes gets people up and going in a few days compared to weeks or months in the past.

Some displays change yearly, and some repeat what worked for them in the past. But here's a couple new shots.

Weather was clear but cool, much better attendance than last weekend, but still way down from normal..... economy must be hitting more people this year. Pretty well filled the train each run, but not many people left in line waiting for the next one. Previous years we've had them lined up past the far end of the building even after loading the train to capacity even with a light drizzle.

One more run for the "Train of TERROR" this year on the 17th. Then the Last Runs of the year with the Heisler for power will be during the Fall Harvest and Plowing Demonstrations on the 24th & 25th with Sauerkraut & Brats being served accross the street at the Museum.

[OTTO-Sawyer]

Last "Train of TERROR" for this year will be tonight!

Weather should be a little better, although still a little on the cool side.

Next weekend the 24th & 25th will be the annual Fall Plowing & Fall Harvest Demonstrations at the Railroad, with Sauerkraut & Brats being served accross the road at the Museum.