Save The Nickel Plate Road

A message from our friends over in Noblesville and Fishers.

Timeline Photos

30 years ago this film opened at select theaters across the US. So what you say. The finale train/bus crash scene was shot on the Whitewater Valley Railroad in Laurel, Indiana. Check out links to the story about the film shooting in nearby Kokomo and a link to the actual movie. http://start.att.net/news/read/category/news/article/kokomo_tribune-when_kokomo_went_hollywood_terror_squad_filmed_alm-tca https://youtu.be/SwnM0T8daRg

Louisiana in World War II

Timeline Photos

Happy Memorial Day as we remeber all that have served. Photo Credit: Seth Murray

Flash Sale Thanks for following us on Facebook. We have a special DISCOUNT CODE for you and your friends and family. This offer is for $2 off each Single Ride, All Day Pass or Combo Tickets purchased. This offer is valid through June 1st. The Discount Code is Visit17 Tickets may be ordered by going online to http://www.ticketweb.com/venue/whitewater-valley-railroad-connersville-in/13800?pl=thomas17 or by calling the depot at 765-825-2054 (9 am - 5 pm) or by calling TicketWeb at 1-866-468-7630 (24hr). If you purchase Day Out With Thomas tickets directly from the railroad’s ticket office you will save on the service fees. Remember all the above train ticket options include the many event activities. Day Out With Thomas: The Friendship Tour 2017 tickets are on sale for the Whitewater Valley Railroad in Connersville, Indiana. Single Ride Tickets are $20 for ages 2 & up and All-Day Passes are $38 for ages 2 and up. Under the age of 2 are free. The event will take place on June 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 & 25, 2017. Trains start departing at 9:45 AM. Schedules vary from day to day.

Photos from Whitewater Valley Railroad Information Station's post

Thanks to Chip Coburn at CDS Signs for doing such a wonderful job lettering Nickel Plate Road Caboose #759. You can ride on this or one of our other restored cabs on most trips. We can rent you a Caboose for the day as well. Just call us at 765-825-2054 for more information. Photo Credit: Chip Coburn

Whitewater Valley Railroad Information Station's cover photo

Attn: WVRR Members WVRR member Maurice Hensley died of pneumonia May 16 after a short illness. He was 90. Maurice was born in Brooklyn, moved to Mooresville, Indiana, with his family when he was two, and lived there all his life. He began working part time at the Mooresville Post Office while in high school, and in 1944 became a railway mail clerk on trains between Indianapolis, Cleveland and Louisville. He was drafted in 1945, and later returned to Mooresville, serving as Postmaster until retirement in 1987. He also owned Hensley Coal and Oil. Maurice joined the WVRR and became increasingly active after retirement. He was promoted to conductor in 1988, fireman in 1989, and diesel engineer in 1990. In 1991 and 92 he made most of the Cohen scrapyard runs hauling gondolas to the Hi-Rail interchange. He also appeared in a 1992 documentary about the history of two-way radio, demonstrating radio use from the cab of WV 210. He later served as Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers. Maurice was elected to the WV Board in 1990, and became Public Relations chairman in 1991. In 1993 he was elected President, a position he held until John Hillman took over in 2000. As John recalls, “He really brought things together when he became President. . . He made us an organization rather than just a bunch of guys.” Maurice pushed a series of fund-raising drives, and dug the railroad out of a tough financial spot. Maurice also found time to be active in Mooresville, serving as president of the Chamber of Commerce, president of the Lions Club, and service on the Mooresville Town Council. He was honored by the Chamber in 1996 as “Mooresvillian of the Year.” Maurice decided to “retire” from active train service at age 80, but continued until now to print and label the Towpath Tracks newsletter, with help from his daughter Janet. He is survived by his wife Beth, daughters Janet Moritz and Jane Schnelle, and grandchildren. Calling will be at the Carlisle-Branson Funeral home, 39 E. High Street, Mooresville, on Friday 5/19, 4-8 pm. Funeral will be Saturday, 5/20, at the Funeral home at 10 am. The family’s obituary says that Memorial contributions may be made to the Whitewater Valley RR. Maurice is still fund-raising! http://www.carlislebranson.com/obituaries/Maurice-Eugene-Hensley-?obId=1815934#/obituaryInfo

Day Out With Thomas, Whitewater Valley Railroad

Hurry, Discount Code below expires on June 1, 2017......

Whitewater Valley Railroad Information Station

Overland Limited - Wild West Train – May 20. July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21 & 22, 2017 All Aboard with a western twist. Join the Circle D Rangers as they protect the Metamora bound train every 3rd Saturday May through September with a special Wild West Weekend in October. Come and see Bandits, Marshals, Robber Barons, Fancy and some Not So Fancy Women as you roll through the scenic countryside. Enjoy a relaxing train ride though the scenic Whitewater Valley, on your way to the historic town of Metamora, Indiana. Enjoy a two hour layover before your return trip to Connersville. Train departs Connersville at 12:01 PM for Metamora Indiana. The round trip fares for this train are $25 for adult and $15 for children, one way fares are also available. Sorry but Caboose seating is not available for these excursions. Tickets are available by calling Grand Central Station at 765-825-2054 or visit us online at https://www.dynamicticketsolutions.com/wvrr/

Day Out With Thomas, Whitewater Valley Railroad

Timeline Photos

The Statesman with Abraham Lincoln - May 13, August 12, & September 9, 2017 President Abraham Lincoln, in July of 1862, signed the Pacific Railroad Bill that put the federal government behind the building of the Transcontinental Railroad project. The Transcontinental Railroad was completed on May 10, 1869. Travel through time on The Statesman as you spend the day with the 16th President Abraham Lincoln on a relaxing train excursion through the Whitewater Valley. Mr. Lincoln will be riding along as you travel along remnants of the Whitewater Canal to the historic town of Metamora, Indiana. During the two hour layover, visit the working grist mill, restored canal and lock, operating replica horse drawn canal boat, historic covered aqueduct, and over 40 shops and restaurants. Ask the former president questions and have your photos taken to preserve the memories. Listen to Mr. Lincoln as he delivers a memorable speech before the train departs Metamora for the return to Connersville. Travel Back In Time when the trains depart Connersville, Indiana's Grand Central Station at 12:01pm. Each excursion will travel along the Whitewater River through the scenic valley which it runs. Along the way you will see remnants of the Whitewater Canal System on which the railroad was built. In Metamora you will have two hours to sight see, shop and eat. The historic canal town also offers a working Grist Mill and replica Canal Boat on the restored Whitewater Canal State Historic Site, Trains will return to Connersville, Indiana at approximately 5pm on each day. Tickets are available by calling Grand Central Station at 765-825-2054 or visit us online at https://www.dynamicticketsolutions.com/wvrr/ Photo Credit: Seth Murray Collection