In addition to the regularly scheduled rides, Saturday's Celebration for Restoration will feature a special evening train, where people are invited to come in period costume from the late 1800s and early 1900s. There will be food, fun, raffles of donated prizes and other entertainment.
Heber Valley Railroad offers a variety of scenic excursions and entertainment options. Throughout the summer, two excursions a day go from Heber to Vivian Park in Provo Canyon. On most days, a shorter excursion to Soldier Hollow is scheduled.
On selected dates, the railroad also offers an evening Lakeshore Social, a Comedy Murder Mystery train, a combination train/haywagon/picnic ride, a BBQ Special, Heber Valley Hoedown, Moonlight/Campfire Sing-Along, Raft 'n' Rail Adventures and more.
Seasonal options include a Pioneer Day Fiddlers 'n' Fireworks train, Haunted Canyon excursions in October, the Polar Express in November and December, and winter excursions combining tubing and sleigh rides.
For most rides, tickets are $30 for adults; $20 for children and $23 for seniors. Special-excursion trains may cost more or less, depending on the ride.
The depot is closed on most Mondays throughout the summer.
For more information and schedules, visit www.hebervalleyrailroad.org or call 435-654-5601.
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How steam locomotives work
A coal-powered fire heats water in a boiler to the point that it creates steam.
As the steam expands, pressure builds up.
By way of a regulator or throttle, valves force the steam into cylinders that contain pistons. The expanding pressure of the steam causes the piston to move and thus turn a connecting crankshaft and flywheel.
When the piston reaches the right side of the cylinder, a slide valve directs the steam behind the piston, which then moves the piston to the left. The piston rod pulls the flywheel around to complete one turn.
Steam in the left side of the piston escapes through an exhaust. The escaping steam is still under pressure, and makes a "choo" sound as it leaves the cylinder. As the train starts rolling and the pistons gain speed, the effect is the familiar "choo choo" sound of a steam engine.
Water is mechanically injected or pumped into the boiler, and must be kept at the correct level at all times.
Steam pressure is kept at about 150-180 pounds per square inch (psi) at all times. If it goes higher, safety valves will release steam to reduce pressure.
SOURCES: www.HowStuffWorks.com, www.Bressingham.co.uk, World Book Encyclopedia, Heber Valley Railroad
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Steam locomotive 618 was build in July 1907 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia. It was made for the Oregon Short Line Railroad, which was a subsidiary of the Union Pacific Railroad.
Originally numbered Oregon Short Line No. 1068, the locomotive operated in main-line freight service in Utah, Idaho and Montana.
Renumbered to Union Pacific No. 618, in the 1920s, the locomotive was assigned to local and branch-line service, operating in northern Utah until 1957.
The locomotive's final assignment was hauling molten pig iron between Columbia Steel in Ironton and United States Steel at Geneva.
In 1958, the locomotive was donated to the state of Utah and was displayed at the State Fairgrounds in Salt Lake City until 1970.
The locomotive was used to start up the "Heber Creeper" and chugged into Heber Valley under her own power in December 1970. The locomotive was used intermittently until October 1990.
After the "Creeper" ceased operation, the Heber Valley Historic Railroad Authority was created as a nonprofit organization to maintain the railroad. In accordance with new Federal safety standards, the locomotive's boiler was overhauled in 1994-95.
Since 1995, the locomotive has been in operation (known as No. 1068), using up most of its allotted 1,472 days of service.
In March of next year, the locomotive will be shut down for a complete overhaul to replace and/or refurbish moving parts, boiler and other components — a task that will cost approximately $776,050. HRVV has received a grant to cover part of the cost of restoration, conditional upon its ability to match those funds dollar-for-dollar. The now-100-year-old locomotive will be restored back to its original 1907 look and return to No. 618.
SOURCE: Heber Valley Railroad
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1705: The first steam engine to see widespread use is invened by Thomas Newcomen and used to pump water from mines.
1774: Scottish inventor James Watt makes significant improvements, building the first "modern" steam engine.
1804: Richard Trevithick, of Cornwall, develops a steam locomotive.
1825: The Stockton and Darlington Railway, in England, becomes the first to offer regularly scheduled steam-powered train service, carrying both goods and passengers.
1830: Peter Cooper's Tom Thumb is the first American-built steam locomotive.
1831: The South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company is the first to offer regularly scheduled steam-powered train service in the United States.
1850: U.S. Congress authorizes federal land grants for development of U.S. railroads.
1857: George Pullman invents the Pullman Sleeping Car for overnight passenger travel.
1869: The first transcontinental rail line is completed at Promontory Point, Utah. The Union Pacific and Central Pacific meet for the driving of the Golden Spike on May 10.
1887: Congresses passes the Interstate Commerce Act to control certain economic practices of U.S. railroads.
1895: The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad starts the first electric main-line rail service in Baltimore.
1925: The first commercial diesel-electric locomotive begins service in the United States.
SOURCE: inventors.about.com; World Book Encyclopedia, Pacific Southwest Railway Museum