Piney Woods Express Steam — Texas State Railroad

The Texas State Railroad sells the Piney Woods Express Steam as a separate excursion from its diesel-powered Piney Woods Express, with the same route between the Palestine and Rusk rail depots. The operator calls it one of its most popular excursions and says it will be powered by No. 30, a 1917 Baldwin locomotive that began its career on the Tremont & Gulf Railway, a Louisiana short line, and was numbered 400 in the days of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Passengers ride in vintage 1920s cars on a four-hour round trip. At Rusk the train stops for a layover of about one hour and fifteen minutes, when guests can buy lunch from the Mail Car Café, explore the grounds, or visit the interior of the historic depot and the gift shop.

The railroad sells six seating classes: Private Caboose, Presidential 1511, Presidential 42 (couches or table seating), Dome, First Class and Open-Air Coach, with an ADA-compliant car available by phone. A steam engine cab ride can be arranged through the reservations desk.

A four-hour round trip, announced behind steam locomotive No. 30 (the operator may change the locomotive for the day), from the historic Palestine Rail Depot to the Rusk Rail Depot, with a layover of about 1 hour 15 minutes at Rusk for lunch, the depot and the gift shop. Most cars are climate-controlled and have restrooms and access to the concession car, which sells snacks and drinks including alcoholic beverages; Open-Air Coach restrooms are in the concession car.

Departs from the Palestine Rail Depot, 789 Park Road 70, Palestine, Texas 75801; the Rusk Rail Depot is at 535 Park Rd 76, Rusk, Texas 75785. A historical preservation fee is added to each ticket. Presidential 1511 is an adults-only car. The ADA-compliant car and steam engine cab rides (18 and over) are booked by calling the reservations desk at 855-632-7729. The operator reserves the right to change the locomotive for the day, car assignments, layover time and departure or arrival times between booking and departure.