STEAM TRAIN DIARY - svsfilm.com/diary
Steam train events in US and Canada

This listing is maintained for personal use and is not intended to be a complete diary of steam train events in the USA and Canada. SVS Film will not be responsible for any errors or omissions, nor will be responsible for any expenses or other costs incurred as a result of the information printed here. All schedules are subject to change without notice. PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS SCHEDULE TO MAKE TRAVEL PLANS WITHOUT CHECKING WITH THE RAILROAD/OPERATOR FIRST.

Some entries are shown as To be confirmed . This indicates that early information has been learnt, but has not been verified by the proposed operating organisation!!

We would welcome any comments, corrections or updates by email ESPECIALLY if you are a tourist railroad, or operator of a preserved steam locomotive!

Credit to John Biehn and Louis Cerny for some of the details included below.

Featured SVS Film YouTube video.

CN Railway 1970.
Watch at: CN railway 1970

Rare 1970 Footage - Canadian National Railway in the Rockies This documentary features restored 8mm cine film shot by David Gaff, capturing his experiences working on a signalling gang on the Canadian National Railway in 1970. Much of the footage was filmed in the dramatic Canadian Rockies, offering a rare and authentic look at what it was really like to work on the railroad in this remote and challenging environment. David also recounts how a "flying switch" nearly led to disaster, highlighting the risks faced by railway workers at the time. The film includes onboard scenes from the 'Super Continental' passenger train, along with unique cab footage riding with the engineer of a diesel locomotive. Additional bonus footage features Toronto and Winnipeg rail yards, the arrival of the 'Canadian' transcontinental passenger train in Calgary and through the Rockies, and views of the 'Super Continental' at Vancouver.
Copyright © John McIvor 2026

[Jan] [Feb] [Mar] [Apr] [May] [Jun] [Jul] [Aug] [Sep] [Oct] [Nov] [Dec]

Diary for 2026

NEW Updated September 19th 2026.
UP 'Big Boy' visit to Denver in November, Pere Marquette 1225 'North Pole Express' in November and December

January 2026

Febuary 2026

March 2026

April 2026

From March 29 to April 24 Cheyenne WY. Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 #4014 western tour ends in Cheyenne on April 24.
For more details go to https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule

April 25, 26 Cumberland MD. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad 'Allegheny Winter Express' trips due to be headed by 2-6-6-2 #1309 departing Cumberland at 9am and 1pm.
For more details go to https://wmsr.com/western-maryland-train-schedule

May 2026

Saturdays, Sundays and Public holidays Cumberland MD. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad trips due to be headed by 2-6-6-2 #1309 departing Cumberland.
For more details go to https://wmsr.com/western-maryland-train-schedule

May 2nd Williams AZ. Grand Canyon Railway 'Steam Saturday' 9:30am train scheduled to be steam hauled either 2-8-0 #29 or 2-8-2 #4960.
For details: https://www.thetrain.com/events/steam-schedule/

May 2nd and 3rd Cass WV. Cass Scenic Railroad operator Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. The "Titans of Logging" Photography Weekend will take place on May 2-3, 2026. Photographers and videographers will have exclusive access to remote, scenic locations, with multiple runbys and carefully planned photo opportunities throughout the weekend.
For more details go to https://mountainrailwv.com/train-rides/

May 9th Cass WV. Cass Scenic Railroad operator Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. Greenbrier Express "Geared Titans" Special Join Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad for a first of its kind train ride along the Cass to Durbin Line! This historic passenger excursion will feature all three major geared locomotive types, the Shay, Heisler and Climax as they work in tandem pulling the train to Durbin.
For more details go to https://mountainrailwv.com/train-rides/

May 9th and 10th Portland OR. Oregon Rail Heritage Center's annual National Train Day. SP 4449 and SP&S 700 under steam. Cab tours of these legendary locomotives. Turntable demonstrations
For more details go to https://orhf.org/blog/national-train-day-returns-may-9-10-2026/

May 21st Williams AZ. Grand Canyon Railway 'Memorial Day Celebration' 9:30am train scheduled to be steam hauled either 2-8-0 #29 or 2-8-2 #4960.
For details: https://www.thetrain.com/events/steam-schedule/

May 23rd, 30th Chattanooga TN. 9th May trip will now be diesel hauled. Nine hour excursion from Chattanooga to Summerville, Georgia and return powered by the former Southern Railway 2-8-2 No. 4501.
For more details go to https://www.tvrail.com/train-rides/summerville-steam-special/

May 23rd Reading, PA. 2026 Iron Horse Rambles. Reading and Northern 4-8-4 #2102 excursion from Reading Outer Station to Jim Thorpe and return.
For more details go to https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/rambles-jimthorpe

Commencing May 23rd Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. OPENING DAY POSTPONED UNTIL 9th June owing to high fire risk. 2026 Season Dates: June 9th to October 25th. Subject to confirmation.
For more details go to https://cumbrestoltec.com/

Commencing May 25th Cheyenne WY. Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 #4014 eastern tour starts in Cheyenne on May 25. Full details now announced. Reaches Boone Iowa on May 31st via North Platte, Grand Island and Omaha.
For more details go to https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule

May 30th Sugar Express locomotive 148 will head Lake Placid Limited. Departing mid-morning from Clewiston, the train is led by a U.S. Sugar diesel to Lake Placid, and historic steam locomotive No. 148 will operate the train on the southbound leg.
For more details: https://sugarexpress.com/lake-placid-limited/

June 2026

Commencing June 1st Boone Iowa. Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 #4014 eastern tour continues. Full details now announced. Departs Boone on June 1st and reaches Scranton PA on June 14th.
For more details go to https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule

June 5, 6, 7 and 12, 13, 14 Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in Ohio will feature the return of the Steam In The Valley excursions headed by Nickel Plate 2-8-4 #765.
For more details go to https://www.cvsr.org/excursions/steam-in-the-valley/steam-in-the-valley

June 6th Williams AZ. Grand Canyon Railway 'Steam Saturday' 9:30am train scheduled to be steam hauled with either 2-8-0 #29 or 2-8-2 #4960.
For details: https://www.thetrain.com/events/steam-schedule/

June 6th and 20th Chattanooga TN. Nine hour excursion from Chattanooga to Summerville, Georgia and return powered by the former Southern Railway 2-8-2 No. 4501.
For more details go to https://www.tvrail.com/train-rides/summerville-steam-special/

Commencing June 9th Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. OPENING DAY POSTPONED UNTIL 9th June owing to high fire risk. 2026 Season Dates: June 9th to October 25th. Subject to confirmation.
For more details go to https://cumbrestoltec.com/

June 12th, 13th, 14th Staunton VA. Norfolk and Western 4-8-4 #611 heads excursions on the 'Saunton Route'. 611 will heaad the train outbound on the 40 mile round trip.
For details: https://www.virginiascenicrailway.com/rides/summer-of-steam/

June 13th and 14th Nesquehoning PA. Reading and Northern 4-8-4 2102 will run round trips from Nesquehoning to Pittston, Pennsylvania on June 13 and 14 and on July 1. The excursion is scheduled to meet and pass the UP#4014.
For more details go to https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/semiquincentennial

June 14th Nesquehoning PA. Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 #4014 heads a one way SOLD OUT excursion to Pittston.
For more details go to https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule

June 19th, 20th, 21st Staunton VA. Norfolk and Western 4-8-4 #611 heads excursions on the 'Saunton Route'. 611 will heaad the train outbound on the 40 mile round trip.
For details: https://www.virginiascenicrailway.com/rides/summer-of-steam/

June 19th and 20th Nickel Plate 2-8-4 #765 heads Tri-State Steam Excursion train. These trips depart Edon, Ohio at 9:00 a.m. and returns at 6:00 p.m. (Was diesel on 20th at short notice)
For more details go to https://www.indianarailexperience.org/tri-state-steam-excursion/

June 20th and 21st Portland OR. Oregon Rail Heritage Center's Father's Day Special. Polson Logging 2-8-2 #2 will head a number of trips.
For more details go to https://orhf.org/weekend-train-rides/#special-event-steam-excursions

June 21st Nickel Plate 2-8-4 #765 heads Fox Lake Limited Excursion train. These trips depart Pleasant Lake Indiana to Montgomery Michigan.(Was diesel hauled at short notice)
For more details go to https://www.indianarailexperience.org/fox-lake-limited/

June 22nd Staunton VA. Norfolk and Western 4-8-4 #611 heads excursion from Saunton via Crozet, Ivy and Charlottesville on the way to Gordonsville. 611 will heaad the train outbound trip. The return to Staunton will be diesel hauled.
For details: https://www.virginiascenicrailway.com/rides/summer-of-steam/

June 25th Williams AZ. Grand Canyon Railway 9:30am train scheduled to be steam hauled with either 2-8-0 #29 or 2-8-2 #4960.
For details: https://www.thetrain.com/events/steam-schedule/

June 25, 26, 27, 28th Bryson City NC. 2-8-0 #1702 will head the Nantahala Gorge Excursion.
For more details and dates go to https://gsmr.com/train-schedule/

June 26th, 27th, 28th Louisa VA. Norfolk and Western 4-8-4 #611 heads excursions on the 'Louisa Route'. 611 will heaad the train outbound on the 40 mile round trip. The return to Louisa will be diesel hauled.
For details: https://www.virginiascenicrailway.com/rides/summer-of-steam/

June 27th Nesquehoning PA. Reading and Northern 4-8-4 2102 will run round trip from Nesquehoning to Tunkhannock for the Tunkhannock Founder's Day Festival.
For more details go to https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/special-events

June 30th and July 1st Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. TRAINS CANCELLED owing to high fire risk.
For more details go to https://cumbrestoltec.com/

July 2026

July 1st Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. TRAINS CANCELLED owing to high fire risk.
For more details go to https://cumbrestoltec.com/

Commencing July 1st Scranton PA. Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 #4014 eastern tour continues. Full details now announced. Departs Scranton on July 1st, arriving Philadelphia July 3rd, then via Horseshoe Curve, Fort Wayne, St Louis, Kansas City and Denver reaches Cheyenne on July 29th.
For more details go to https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule

July most days Bryson City NC. 2-8-0 #1702 will head the Nantahala Gorge Excursion.
For more details and dates go to https://gsmr.com/train-schedule/

July 1st Nesquehoning PA. Reading and Northern 4-8-4 2102 will run round trip from Nesquehoning to Pittston, Pennsylvania on July 1. The excursion is scheduled to meet and pass the UP#4014. A diesel hauled similar trip will run on July 2nd.
For more details go to https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/semiquincentennial

July 2nd Williams AZ. Grand Canyon Railway 'Thursday, Independence Day Celebration' 9:30am train scheduled to be steam hauled with either 2-8-0 #29 or 2-8-2 #4960.
For details: https://www.thetrain.com/events/steam-saturdays/

July 3rd, 4th, 5th Louisa VA. Norfolk and Western 4-8-4 #611 heads excursions on the 'Louisa Route'. 611 will heaad the train outbound on the 40 mile round trip. The return to Louisa will be diesel hauled.
For details: https://www.virginiascenicrailway.com/rides/summer-of-steam/

July 4th, 18th Chattanooga TN. Nine hour excursion from Chattanooga to Summerville, Georgia and return powered by the former Southern Railway 2-8-2 No. 4501.
For more details go to https://www.tvrail.com/train-rides/summerville-steam-special/

July 4th Reading Outer Station PA. Reading and Northern 4-8-4 2102 will run round trip from Reading Outer Station to Jim Thorpe.
For more details go to https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/special-events

July 9, 10, 11, 18 Holidaysburg PA. The Everett Railroad is running their 'Steam into the Sunset' excursions powered by 2-6-0, No. 11. These two and a half hour trips run between Hollidaysburg and Martinsburg.
For more details: https://everettrailroad.com/attractions/steam-into-sunset/

July 17, 18, 19 Chanhassen and Montevideo MN. Milwaukee Road 4-8-4 #261 heads "USA 250th Hiawatha" excursions. On Friday 17th from Chanhassen MN to Danube MN. On Saturday two trips from Montevideo MN to Granite Falls and an afternoon trip to Appleton where the train will be wyed. On Sunday the trip will be from Montevideo to Buffalo Lake MN.
For more details go to https://261.com/excursions/usa-250/

July 18th Nelsonville Ohio. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway's 0-6-0 steam locomotive No. 3 will power the railroad's America 250 Military Heritage Express.
For more details go to https://hvsry.org

August 2026

August most days Bryson City NC. 2-8-0 #1702 will head the Nantahala Gorge Excursion.
For more details and dates go to https://gsmr.com/train-schedule/

August 1st and 15th Chattanooga TN. Nine hour excursion from Chattanooga to Summerville, Georgia and return powered by the former Southern Railway 2-8-2 No. 4501.
For more details go to https://www.tvrail.com/train-rides/summerville-steam-special/

August 1st Nelsonville Ohio. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway's 0-6-0 steam locomotive No. 3 will power the railroad's Living History Express.
For more details go to https://hvsry.org

August 1st and 2nd Bryson City NC. 2-8-0 #1702 will head the Nantahala Gorge Excursion.
For more details and dates go to https://gsmr.com/train-schedule/

August 2nd Williams AZ. Grand Canyon Railway 'Steam Saturday' 9:30am train scheduled to be steam hauled with either 2-8-0 #29 or 2-8-2 #4960.
For details: https://www.thetrain.com/events/steam-saturdays/

August 15th Williams AZ. Grand Canyon Railway 'Celebration of Steam Engine 4960's Birthday' 9:30am train scheduled to be steam hauled with either 2-8-0 #29 or 2-8-2 #4960.
For details: https://www.thetrain.com/events/steam-schedule/

August 22nd Nesquehoning PA. Reading and Northern 4-8-4 2102 will run round trip from Nesquehoning to Pittston for the Tomato Festival.
For more details go to https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/special-events

August 27th Williams AZ. Grand Canyon Railway 'Thursday Labor Day Celebration' 9:30am train scheduled to be steam hauled with either 2-8-0 #29 or 2-8-2 #4960.
For details: https://www.thetrain.com/events/steam-schedule/

September 2026

September 5th Williams AZ. Grand Canyon Railway 'Steam Saturday' 9:30am train scheduled to be steam hauled with either 2-8-0 #29 or 2-8-2 #4960.
For details: https://www.thetrain.com/events/steam-schedule/

September 5th and 6th Pleasant Lake and Angola Indiana. World War 2 weekend. Various trips and activities featuring NKP 2-8-4 #765.
For more details go to https://www.indianarailexperience.org/rolling-victory/

September 5th and 26th Chattanooga TN. Nine hour excursion from Chattanooga to Summerville, Georgia and return powered by the former Southern Railway 2-8-2 No. 4501.
For more details go to https://www.tvrail.com/train-rides/summerville-steam-special/

September 12th Penobscot PA. Reading and Northern 4-8-4 2102 will run round trip from Penonscot to Jim Thorpe for the Mountain Top Rotary Club Excursion.
For more details go to https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/special-events

September 12th Woodstown Central running excursion with 0-6-0 #9 between South Woodstown NJ and Swedesboro.
For more details go to https://woodstowncentral.com/

September 18th - 20th Cumberland MD. Maryland Railfest on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. including #1309 2-6-6-2 heading the Helmstetter's Highball to the iconic Helmstetter's Curve.
For more details go to https://wmsr.com/marylandrailfest

September 19th Williams AZ. Grand Canyon Railway 'Grand Canyon Railway's 125th Anniversary' 9:30am train scheduled to be steam hauled with either 2-8-0 #29 or 2-8-2 #4960.
For details: https://www.thetrain.com/events/steam-schedule/

September 26th and 27th Albuquerque NM. New Mexico Railroad Days including Santa Fe 4-8-4 2926. Albuquerque South Rail Yards, 1300 2nd St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 between 10am and 4pm each day.
For more details go to https://2926.us

October 2026

October 3rd Williams AZ. Grand Canyon Railway 'Steam Saturday' 9:30am train scheduled to be steam hauled with either 2-8-0 #29 or 2-8-2 #4960.
For details: https://www.thetrain.com/events/steam-schedule/

October 3, 10, 11, 17, 18, 31 Chattanooga TN. Nine hour excursion from Chattanooga to Summerville, Georgia and return powered by the former Southern Railway 2-8-2 No. 4501.
For more details go to https://www.tvrail.com/train-rides/summerville-steam-special/

October 10th Sugar Express locomotive 148 will head Lake Placid Limited. Departing mid-morning from Clewiston, the train is led by a U.S. Sugar diesel to Lake Placid, and historic steam locomotive No. 148 will operate the train on the southbound leg.
For more details: https://sugarexpress.com/lake-placid-limited/

October 14th Williams AZ. Grand Canyon Railway 9:30am train scheduled to be steam hauled with either 2-8-0 #29 or 2-8-2 #4960.
For details: https://www.thetrain.com/events/steam-schedule/

October 17th Reading PA. Reading and Northern 4-8-4 2102 will run round trip from Reading Outer Station to Jim Thorpe and return.
For more details go to https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/fall-foliage-reading

October 16th, 17th and 18th Nickel Plate 2-8-4 #765 will power the Indiana Rail Experience Fall Color Steam Special from Pleasant Lake to Hillsdale.
For more details go to https://www.indianarailexperience.org/fall-color-steam

October 25th Reading PA. Reading and Northern 4-8-4 2102 will run round trip from Reading Outer Station to Jim Thorpe and return.
For more details go to https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/fall-foliage-reading

November 2026

November 1st Cumberland MD. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad trips due to be headed by 2-6-6-2 #1309 departing Cumberland.
For more details go to https://wmsr.com/western-maryland-train-schedule

November 7th and 8th Chattanooga TN. Nine hour excursion from Chattanooga to Summerville, Georgia and return powered by the former Southern Railway 2-8-2 No. 4501.
For more details go to https://www.tvrail.com/train-rides/summerville-steam-special/

November 14th Sugar Express locomotive 148 will head Lake Placid Limited. Departing mid-morning from Clewiston, the train is led by a U.S. Sugar diesel to Lake Placid, and historic steam locomotive No. 148 will operate the train on the southbound leg.
For more details: https://sugarexpress.com/lake-placid-limited/

NEW November 20th, 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th, 29th Owosso MI. Pere Marquette 4-8-4 1225 will head 'North Pole Express' trains to Ashley.
For more details go to https://michigansteamtrain.com/north-pole-express/

NEW November 21st Denver CO. UP 4-8-8-4 4014 'Big Boy' will be on display in Denver and will operaate an excursion from Cheyenne to Denver as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
For more details go to https://www.up.com/press-releases/heritage-steam/big-boy-holiday-tour-260917

December 2026

NEW December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 Owosso MI. Pere Marquette 4-8-4 1225 will head 'North Pole Express' trains to Ashley.
For more details go to https://michigansteamtrain.com/north-pole-express/

Diary for 2027

January 2027

January 23rd Sugar Express locomotive 148 will head Lake Placid Limited. Departing mid-morning from Clewiston, the train is led by a U.S. Sugar diesel to Lake Placid, and historic steam locomotive No. 148 will operate the train on the southbound leg.
For more details: https://sugarexpress.com/lake-placid-limited/

Febuary 2027

February 27th Sugar Express locomotive 148 will head Lake Placid Limited. Departing mid-morning from Clewiston, the train is led by a U.S. Sugar diesel to Lake Placid, and historic steam locomotive No. 148 will operate the train on the southbound leg.
For more details: https://sugarexpress.com/lake-placid-limited/

March 2027

March 27th Sugar Express locomotive 148 will head Lake Placid Limited. Departing mid-morning from Clewiston, the train is led by a U.S. Sugar diesel to Lake Placid, and historic steam locomotive No. 148 will operate the train on the southbound leg.
For more details: https://sugarexpress.com/lake-placid-limited/

April 2027

April 24th Sugar Express locomotive 148 will head Lake Placid Limited. Departing mid-morning from Clewiston, the train is led by a U.S. Sugar diesel to Lake Placid, and historic steam locomotive No. 148 will operate the train on the southbound leg.
For more details: https://sugarexpress.com/lake-placid-limited/

May 2027

May 15th and 19th Sugar Express locomotive 148 will head Lake Placid Limited. Departing mid-morning from Clewiston, the train is led by a U.S. Sugar diesel to Lake Placid, and historic steam locomotive No. 148 will operate the train on the southbound leg.
For more details: https://sugarexpress.com/lake-placid-limited/

Earlier 'Steam Train Diaries':

STEAM TRAIN DIARY - svsfilm.com/diary Steam train events in US and Canada