Abilene, KS next to the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad

Joe Minick ~ Chief mechanical engineer for the steam engine rebuild.

Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad

On Memorial Day I was able to ride in the cab of this beautiful steam engine from Abilene to Enterprise, Kansas and back. It was a thrilling adventure. My sincere thanks go to Stan, who arranged this ride for us.

1887 Rock Island Depot was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 12, 2010.

1887 Rock Island Depot was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 12, 2010.

You know how a lot of cities have steam engines in the local park? Abilene, Kansas, refurbished theirs! Now, you can ride ATSF 3415 each summer when you visit the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. Enjoy a ride on a few miles of the old Rock Island Line, and see Eisenhower's birthplace while you're over there. A wonderful experience!