By Railfan & Railroad Staff
NEW YORK CITY — The United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey is reviving New York Central’s 20th Century Limited this fall with a series of excursions through the Hudson River Valley. The Hudson River Rail Excursions will be four day-trips out of New York City’s Moynihan Train Hall to Albany-Rensselaer and back aboard two historic NYC passenger cars.
The trips will run on October 2, 3, 9 and 10 and feature tavern-lounge 43 and observation-sleeper-lounge car Hickory Creek.
“We are so lucky to not only own a railroad car as historic as the Hickory Creek, but to be able to run it on its home rails. Those home rails just happen to be some of the most scenic in the eastern United States,” said URHS President Kevin Phalon.
The excursions will feature two different classes of service. Passengers in the Hickory Creek will be treated to a full-service meal, cooked by the chef in the car’s on-board kitchen. Beer and wine is included, and drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served to passengers at their seats throughout the trip. Passengers in the car 43 will be treated to catered sandwiches and sides in the tavern end of the car. This car will be BYOB.
Tickets to ride in the Hickory Creek are $299 and tickets to ride in the tavern-lounge are $149.
The excursion will depart New York City at 11:20 a.m. on train 233 and arrive in Albany-Rensselaer at 1:50 p.m. After a layover, the excursion will depart Albany at 4:30 p.m. on train 244 and return to New York City at 7:05 p.m.
URHS will abide by all New York City ordinances and guidance when it comes to COVID-19. Passengers will be required to provide proof of vaccination to ride.
Hickory Creek was built in 1948 and was acquired by URHS in 1991. The car is Amtrak-certified and is available for private charters. It will also make an appearance on this year’s Autumn Colors Express in West Virginia. Tavern-lounge 43 was built in 1947 by the Budd Company. It was also acquired by the URHS in 1991 and has been restored to its historic appearance.
More information is available at URHS’s new excursions website: HudsonRiverRail.com.
