easy
1.5–2 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels since the activity involves sitting during the train ride, with minimal physical exertion.
Experience the thrill of a Wild West train robbery come to life in New Freedom, PA. Join the Wild West Express for a ride filled with excitement, historical reenactment, and charity fun!
All Ages • One Hour • Glen Rock • Cowboys!
Experience the thrilling exploits of Jesse James and the Younger Gang on a live-action train ride through the Wild West! This unique adventure combines historical reenactment with charity, as modern-day actors "rob" the train for donations. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and excitement of the Old West while supporting a good cause.
One Hour
Witness the exploits of the infamous Jesse James and Younger Gang, a well-known group of 19th-century outlaws! During your trip to Seitzland and back, experience train travel as it was in the Wild West when this notorious group held up trains and passengers. The modern-day reenactors are using their skills for good, robbing the train for donations to a local charity. Come out for a good time and a great cause!
Caution: Riders will experience the sights and sounds of gunfire during the ride.
D. Reed Anderson Car
!Anderson 2
With a seating area for passengers as well as a storage area for baggage, the aptly-named combine car was important to railroads in the late nineteenth century. Our combine car, the D. Reed Anderson coach, holds special meaning as it is named for one of Northern Central Railway of York’s co-founders. Patterned after an 1880s-era combine car, this coach can seat up to 32 passengers, and is available for public seating as well as small group private seating. When constructing this coach, special attention was paid to restoring 1920s-vintage Hale and Kilburn cushioned walkover seats, which can be reversed to face the direction of travel. The D. Reed Anderson houses two restrooms and is handicapped accessible. Like our other passenger cars, this coach features coal stoves and operable windows for all-season use.
Abraham Lincoln Car
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The Northern Central Railway will forever be connected with President Abraham Lincoln, who rode these rails to and from delivering the Gettysburg Address in 1863. Sadly, less than two years later, on April 21, 1865, the nine-car Lincoln Funeral Train would use these tracks when traveling from Baltimore to Harrisburg and beyond. Our Abraham Lincoln car incorporates the look and feel of an 1870s passenger coach. The vibrant car embraces Victorian motifs and features plush green seats that can be reversed to face the direction of travel. Like our other passenger cars, the Abraham Lincoln coach incorporates authentic nineteenth century heating via coal stoves as well as operable windows to bring the outside in and provide fresh, cool air.
New Freedom Car
!New Freedom 1
Named for the home base for the Northern Central Railway of York, the New Freedom replicates the appearance of a standard passenger coach from the 1860s. In true Victoria Era fashion, the lavish car features a colorful interior, with plush red seats that can be reversed to face the direction of travel. With seating for up to 56 passengers, the New Freedom coach incorporates authentic 19th century heating and cooling – coal stoves to heat the car during the cold months and open windows to cool the car during the warm season. As for the car’s namesake, New Freedom was incorporated in 1873 and named for the Free family. The borough houses both our engine house as well as our passenger station – the historic New Freedom Railroad Station, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
South Branch Car
!South Branch
The tracks of the Northern Central Railway wind through the rolling hills and peaceful valleys of southern York County, paralleling and occasionally crossing the South Branch of the Codorus Creek. South Branch also happens to be the name of our 1860s-era open-air coach, which offers a unique riding experience. With seating for up to 36 passengers, the layout of the coach features cushioned seats in the center of the car, facing outward on each side to provide spectacular views of quaint towns and picturesque countryside. During the warmer months, the large windows are open to allow refreshing airflow, while in the colder months the windows are closed to retain the warmth courtesy of an era-appropriate coal stove. Wicker chairs provide additional seating options for passengers.
Caboose !Description of image
This newly restored No.613 Caboose Car provided a unique passenger experience. You have the opportunity to ride in the 'best seat of the train'' in the cupola seats. There is also a restroom and air conditioning onboard. The additional seats available are wicker chairs.
Gondola
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Enjoy the outdoor elements (rain or shine) of riding along the NCR line inside the standing-only open-air Gondola car. Passengers can roam throughout the car to see all of the sights of the York County Heritage Rail Trail. This newly 1906 restored Gondola car No. 8146 was restored in 2022 for the Bike Aboard program.
Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to catch all pre-ride instructions and enjoy the historic station.
The train cars are open-air; layering clothes is recommended to stay comfortable in varying temperatures.
Capture the action-packed moments with your camera or smartphone, but keep your hands free during the 'robbery' scenes.
Consider bringing cash or small bills for donations, as the 'train robbery' is a fun charity event benefiting local organizations.
The Northern Central Railway tracks follow historic routes once used during the Civil War, adding rich historical context to the journey.
The railway participates in preserving regional heritage and promotes sustainable tourism by supporting local conservation initiatives.
Easily adjust to changing temperatures during the open-air ride.
Protect your skin from sun exposure on sunny summer rides.
summer specific
Capture the exciting train robbery action and scenic views.
Support the charity aspect of the train robbery with small donations.