Celebrate 30 Clipper: Historic New Haven No. 529 Excursion Through the Naugatuck River Valley

On a bright autumn morning in Thomaston, Connecticut, the Celebrate 30 Clipper invites riders to step back into the golden age of New England railroading. This special excursion runs behind the restored New Haven RS-3 Locomotive No. 529, powering a two-and-a-half-hour journey through the Naugatuck River Valley. Departing Thomaston Station, the train threads river bends, maple-lined hillsides, and exposed ledges that tell the region’s glacial and industrial past, offering easy access to panoramic river views most visitors miss. What makes this trip unique is the locomotive itself: No. 529 is making a rare return after fifteen years, and the consist includes New Haven Express Car 3659, Naugatuck Coach 5046, Canadian National Coach/Bar 5084, and Canadian National Coach 5114. Photographers and railfans get an exclusive photo run-by—multiple staged passes at a picturesque location—so you can capture the locomotive in motion from safe, designated vantage points. Onboard bar service brings local beer and snacks into the experience, turning a scenic ride into a social outing for families, photographers, and history buffs. The route alternates by day: southbound trips from Thomaston to Mile Post 0 near Waterbury and northbound services toward Torrington and the end of track. Each alignment highlights different geological and cultural features: copper-colored shale outcrops, old mill foundations, and centuries-old hardwoods that flare scarlet in fall. Wild birds—kingfishers and red-tailed hawks—are common along the river, and the low-speed glide of the train offers wildlife viewing without the disturbance of road traffic. This excursion is an easy, low-impact way to experience the valley’s landscape while supporting local preservation of historic rail equipment. The trip’s limited runs and staged photography moments make it a standout event during Thomaston’s 30-year celebration, drawing rail enthusiasts from across New England. Accessibility is limited because of the vintage cars; passengers should be prepared for steps and narrow aisles. Practical notes: expect a roughly 2.5-hour experience with scheduled departures on weekend dates; coach seating is standard and tickets include access to the photo run-by. Bring a camera with a mid-telephoto lens for action shots, layers for variable river valley weather, and ID for onboard bar purchases. Whether you come for history, photography, or a relaxed scenic spin, Celebrate 30 Clipper turns a stretch of Connecticut track into an active, communal way to read the landscape. Tickets are priced at $50 per passenger for coach seating, making this an accessible daytrip for families and solo travelers. Plan to arrive at Thomaston Station at least 30 minutes before departure to board, find your seat, and enjoy the bar service before the train leaves. If you hope to stand at the photo vantage or use aisle access for framing, a short arrival buffer increases your chances of a good spot.