The Leviathan No. 63 Steam Engine will make its debut in New York state and the Northeast as the Saratoga & North Creek Railway hosts it on Sept. 14 and 15
The Saratoga & North Creek Railway (SNCRR), based in North Creek, Warren County, is a division of Iowa Pacific Holdings of Chicago, Illinois.
SNCRR has arranged with the Leviathan’s owner David Kloke and the Historic Railroad Equipment Association of Illinois, to bring this historic, full-sized standard gauge steam engine east for the very first time.
The Leviathan, No. 63, is an exact duplicate of the original locomotive type built by the Schenectady Locomotive Works in 1868, one of four originally commissioned by the Central Pacific Railroad.
Kloke and his team have spent thousands of man hours over 10 years to build the Leviathan to faithful in every detail, officials said. Railroad enthusiasts of all ages can view the historic detail, from its five-foot diameter cherry red driving wheels to its 88,000 pounds of rolling iron and steel.
Spokespeople from Iowa Pacific expect national attention from railroad aficionados and historians. They anticipate that riders will come from all over the Northeast to ride and experience this trip.
At the North Creek Station, passengers will be treated to the turning of the Leviathan on the historic turntable. The North Creek Station complex includes the original 1871 station, freight house, engine house, tool house, turntable and horse barn, providing an intact representation of 19th century railroading.
Officials said this special excursion train consists of the Leviathan No. 63 and one vintage 1928 Canadian National open window day coach, painted and lettered in the authentic 1870s Adirondack Railway color scheme.
Saratoga & North Creek Railway’s Steve Torrico said, “Having this amazing replica of the Leviathan No.63 is truly like a homecoming party. The original locomotives were built right here in New York state and these engines were the first to ply these rails from Saratoga to North Creek, opening up the Adirondacks to tourism and the hauling of freight.”
Special Leviathan excursion package tickets include an 82-mile round trip from Corinth to North Creek, complimentary beverages and snacks on board, a barbecue lunch in North Creek, and admission to the North Creek Depot Museum. It departs Corinth at 9 a.m., arrives in North Creek at noon, departs North Creek at 2 p.m., and arrives back in Corinth 5 p.m.
Additionally, there will be multiple meets with regular SNCRR passenger trains and photo run-bys. Also during the weekend, the railway is also hosting a Teddy Roosevelt Event and annual D & H Rail Fair at the depot area, adjacent to the Hudson River waterfront park in of North Creek. It is open to both passengers and the general public.
For more details, pricing information, and to purchase tickets, visit www.SNCRR.com or call 877-726-RAIL (7245). Advance reservations are suggested, as seating is limited. The Saratoga & North Creek Railway offers passengers scenic excursion trips to experience the Adirondack region between Saratoga and North Creek. Themes are appropriate to the season. All trains offer full dining and snack services. In winter months, the Snow Train offers scenic winter excursions and a direct link to the ski slopes. With seven scheduled stops between North Creek and Saratoga Springs, the rail line provides easy access to the many towns along its route. These include remote natural settings for hiking, river activities and scenic photo stops.
Scheduled trains also provide easy connections with Amtrak at Saratoga Springs.