We’re disappointed to share that we will not be able to operate fall color excursions in Virginia this year. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond SRI’s control have made it impossible to secure the necessary arrangements to move the steam engine, preventing us from planning and operating the excursions.
While this is certainly disappointing news, we are not giving up on adding new opportunities to the calendar. We are actively working on other excursion options and hope to have some exciting alternatives to share soon.
We thank Virginia Scenic Railway for their partnership on this project-be sure to check out their events and excursions and support heritage railroads wherever you are located! Thank you for your continued support, dedication, and enthusiasm for the Steam Railroading Institute. We appreciate everything you do to help make these experiences possible!
Further details from Aaron Farmer, OPS Manager at SRI: “There was no “ban” on steam locomotives or outright refusal by the railroads to move the equipment that led to this decision.
The reality is that we needed sufficient lead time to properly announce and market the excursions, as well as firm commitments from all of the railroads involved before we could responsibly move forward. Every railroad involved viewed the proposed operation positively and expressed interest in seeing the venture come to fruition.
It is also important to recognize that these relationships are critical to SRI’s ability to operate historic equipment. Publicly criticizing or “bashing” railroads for decisions involving the movement of historic equipment does little to improve those relationships or encourage them to work with us on future opportunities. If anything, maintaining a professional and collaborative relationship with our railroad partners gives us the best chance of getting these opportunities approved in the future.”