A Train Runs Through It (Hardy Arkansas)

As we all know, Hardy is a Railroad Town.  This year the BNSF is taking its train of 15 restored passenger cars on a 6,000-mile tour through 13 cities in six states.  The train is available for BNSF employees and special guests only.  I was an invited guest for a 3 hour ride. The conductor actually came to the loading area and yelled “all aboard” which was a truly nostalgic moment. I chose to ride in the tallest car called Bay View.  The windows are all bay curved and the view is fantastic. I sat in the “First Class” section although the whole car was truly first class.

  When the train got underway we were allowed to move from car to car and explore.  Snacks were brought around and there was a souvenir car.  I have to admit when moving between the cars I felt very adventurous.  You push a big button beside the door and with a big whooshing the door opens and you step between the cars onto a platform.  The door closes behind you, whoosh.  You step across a gap (yes you can  see the ground flying by) onto the next cars’ platform and then another button and whoosh the door opens and you step into the next car. 

 The woodwork and seating in all the cars are beautifully restored and looks like something out of the movies.  The styles were reminicent of a romantic era when the railroad was the main source of mass transit.  Some cars are double deckers and some have open balconies that face inside with wooden railings to keep passengers safe, kind of like the old river boats.  One car had a bar area that served soft drinks.  I took scads of pictures and when we rode through Hardy I got a birds eyeview of our wonderful little City.  I had a great time that I won’t soon forget and hope to get to repeat the experience again.

SUBMITTED BY:

Nina Thorton, Mayor of Hardy Arkansas