Texas Bob Travels

Grapevine Vintage Railroad

Grapevine, Texas

Steam Locomotive No. 2248 Cotton Belt Depot
Steam Locomotive No. 2248 Cotton Belt Depot
Fort Worth Stock Exchange
Fort Worth Stock Exchange
Steam Locomotive No. 2248 on the Turn Table at 
			the stockyard station
Steam Locomotive No. 2248 on the Turn Table at the stockyard station
Train Ticket

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad is one of the few opportunities left in the country to ride the rails on a train pulled by steam power. The train leaves the Grapevine, Texas depot Feb - May

Saturdays & Sundays and June - August Friday - Saturday at 1:00 pm and arrives at the Fort Worth Stockyard Station about around 2:15 pm. The arrival time varies because unlike some excursion trains, the Grapevine Vintage railroad is on live track and has to compete with freight trains for track space.

Note: Always check with the Grapevine Vintage Railroad website for the latest schedules for details about schedule changes, special events and other fun train rides.

If you haven't been to the Fort Worth Stockyards in a while your in Railroad Conductor for a treat. There is a lot to see and do and a lot to spend your money on. You can buy a saddle a pair boots or the latest George Straight CD and much more.

Another thing that will get your attention at the Fort Worth Stockyards is the "Worlds Only Daily Cattle Drive." This herd of Longhorns are herded down Exchange street twice daily, 11:30 am and 4:00 pm. There are lots of photo opportunities with all the cows, cowboys and this crazy guy that can be found most of the day riding a saddled longhorn steer, and he loves to have his picture taken. If he really likes you he'll even let you sit on his steer and take your picture.

Don't get too wrapped up in the shopping, sites, sounds (and smells) of the stockyard or you will miss the your train back to Grapevine. The train pulls out of the station promptly at 4:15 pm for a 5:45 pm arrival back at the station.

While you were doing all that shopping and eating, the train took a quick one hour trip down to the Trinity River and back. This shorter trip might be a good option if you want the experience of riding the rails but want an open ended time schedule at the Stockyards.

History of some of the Equipment

Steam Locomotive No. 2248 is a product of the Cooke Locomotive Works of Paterson, NJ. Built in 1896, 2248 was called a "heavy mountain-class" locomotive as indicated on the original Cooke drawings. The 4-6-0, or 10 wheeler, was built for and used by Southern Pacific

The engine is turned on a 1927 Santa Fe Railroad Turntable for its journey to Fort Worth's historic Stockyards. The massive 180-ton turntable was originally installed in Brownwood, Texas and later was moved to Saginaw, Texas where Grapevine obtained it.

Resources:

Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Fort Worth Stockyards

Update: 10 April 2020