Austin Steam Train Association Day Out with Thomas in Texas

Austin Steam Train

 

 

Austin Steam Train Association is located in Burnet, Texas and their mission is to preserve the experience of historic steam railroading by recreating the enjoyment of for families today and for generations to come. Their history can be traced back to 1871 when the tracks used where part of the Llano subdivision of the Austin division of the Southern Pacific railroad.

 

 

There are several levels of service offered on each train ride into the Hill Country including Coach Class, Excursion Class, and First Class Pullman Lounge. The coach cars are authentic in that the windows open and close which is helpful because the coaches aren’t climate controlled. The lounge cars are however climate controlled but may offer less sitting.

 

 

The Austin Steam Train Association is host to a Day Out with Thomas and other special excursions which can be enjoyed by the entire family. Other events are the Hill Country Flyer which is a two hour journey through Texas Hill Country to Burnet. There is the Bertram Flyer which stops at the train station in Bertram which is a historic 1912 building. The Mother’s Day Flyer is in honor of mom’s where they can enjoy a wonderful lunch and train ride. The Magic Flyer ride is to Bertram with magic tricks on board and photos are available with the magicians.

 

 

Other special events at ASTA are the Twilight Flyers, which is a magical ride after dark! Another interesting ride is True Grit, An Outlaw’s Downfall, which is show featuring a notorious outlaw gang who plans to rob the train! Evening dinner is included. Celebrating America’s birthday is the Independence Day Flyer with special musical entertainment with American fare to enjoy. The Princess Flyer is for the girls and ladies who can enjoy tea and biscuits including photo opportunities with a real princess. Other events are the Bertram Oatmeal Festival, A Halloween Whodunit on the Hill Country Flyer, and the North Pole Flyer with Santa.