Old Time Train Ride in Lebanon - LM&M Railroad
Paul Johnston/Warren County Informer 15.MAY.07
This past Saturday we traveled with the Lebanon-Mason-Monroe (LM&M) Railroad for the “Little Engine That Could” train ride. The number of riders averaged around 60 per train that day which meant there was ample room for everyone to enjoy themselves. When the train arrived at the station in Lebanon a couple of children began clapping their hands.
LM&M offers nostalgic rides on a vintage train departing year-round from downtown Lebanon, Ohio. Passengers enjoy the only authentic, historic train with recreational rides, including tea parties-mystery trains, hobo rides, storybook character events, Christmas, and Easter excursions. Conductors describe railroad history and operations and offer locomotive tours.
The train operates on approximately 25 miles of track between Lebanon, Mason and Monroe – all cities in southwestern Ohio. For most trips the LM&M runs 4.4 miles south from Lebanon Station in downtown historic Lebanon to a picnic grove along the track at the back property of the Southwest Golf Ranch. The train runs along the right-of-way of the Cincinnati, Lebanon & Northern (CL&N) Railroad, a historic passenger and freight line that began operation in 1881 with narrow gauge rail spacing (thirty-six inches between the rails). Three years later it was rebuilt to standard gauge (56 ½ inches between the rails).The C,L & N was later acquired by the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) that operated both freight and passenger trains over the line between Dayton and Cincinnati. The passenger service over this line was primarily commuter trains that took people who lived in Warren County to jobs in Blue Ash, Norwood, Cincinnati and Dayton. The PRR discontinued Cincinnati passenger service over this line in 1931 after the opening of Cincinnati Union Terminal. Continuity of the original right-of-way between Lebanon and Cincinnati was broken when interstate highway I-71 was constructed during the 1960’s. Segments of the original CL&N/PRR trackage are still in operation today. The LM&M’s track from Lebanon to Hageman Junction is currently owned by the city of Lebanon and Rail America (current owner of the Indiana & Ohio) owns the remaining track. While the I&O continues to operate freight over the entire line, the LM&M has trackage rights to operate passenger trains.
Here is the current train schedule:
- The Magic Train, May 19 & 20 – A magician dazzles passengers with his skill and showmanship and teaches them a trick or two.
- Madcap Puppet Train, May 26 & 27; June 30 & July 1; July 28 & 29; Aug. 25 & 26 – Families ride the train to a puppet show performed by Greater Cincinnati’s most famous puppet company, Madcap Productions Puppet Theatre and learn to make their own puppet.
- Clifford's Big Red Train Ride, June 2 & 3; August 11 & 12 – Passengers join Clifford the Big Red Dog™ and Emily Elizabeth for a train ride stories and playtime in the bounce castle.
- Reading Railroad, June 9 & 10, August 18 & 19 – Families join well-known storybook characters for a train ride, as the LM&M storyteller reads aloud. They are welcome to come dressed as their favorite character and can bring a book, or buy one at the book fair.
- Slack on the Track, July 7 & 8; 14 & 15; 21 & 22 – A slow ride to nowhere, this train trip celebrates the hobo lifestyle and railroad history, as told by knowledgeable LM&M conductors. Passengers can sit by the bonfire and chow down on authentic hobo stew.
- Hobo Train, July 8, 15, 22 – Designed for the 9 to15 year olds to hear about railroad folklore from a hobo point of view, this ride features a bonfire, a guitarist, delicious s’mores and hobo stew.
- Civil War Train, August 4 & 5 – Passengers re-live history by watching Confederate troops attempt to overtake a Union train and steal the money strong box. They can also stroll through Union and Confederate camps complete with infantry, cavalry, artillery, and medical equipment of the period.
- Day Out With Thomas, Sept. 7, 8 & 9; 14, 15 & 16 – The popular public television character Thomas the Tank Engine® rolls into Lebanon along with his friend, Sir Topham Hatt. The 25-minute train rides are perfect for young children who enjoy storytelling, live music, a petting zoo and posing for pictures with Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt.
- Apple Fest, September 22 – Families attending Lebanon’s always-popular Country AppleFest can take a break from the crowd and enjoy a leisurely train ride.
- Pumpkin Patch Express, Sept. 29, 30; Oct. 6 & 7; 13 & 14; 20 & 21; 27 & 28 – Visitors r the LM&M to the famous Shappacher Farm in Mason, Ohio, where they can get lost in a corn maze, pet farm animals pick out a pumpkin.
· Train of Terror, October 12 & 13 & 14; 19 & 20 & 21; 26 & 27 & 28 – Listen! Is that a train whistle in the distance, or a bloodcurdling scream? The "click-clack" of wheels on rickety tracks, or a thumping heart? Who knows what nightmarish things await, onboard the LM&M's Train of Terror. It's the creepiest hour-long ride this side of Count Dracula's castle! When the train stops in the pitch-dark forest, whatever you do, DON'T GET OFF! Fridays and Saturdays horror begins at 8:30 pm; Sunday at 7 pm. Recommended for ages 11 & older.
· Scout Weekends Railroad Patch & Badge, Nov. 3 & 4; – Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts can earn a Railroad Badge, speak with the engineer and conductors and learn about the railroad and the diesel-electric locomotive.
- Tea Party Mystery Train Nov. 10 & 11; 18 – Passengers bring their favorite doll and help to solve a mystery onboard the LM&M. One lucky child on each trip will win an American Girl® doll. After the train ride, the girls and their chaperones attend a formal tea party to learn about Victorian times.
· North Pole Express, Nov. 24 &25; Dec 1 & 2; 8 & 9; 15 & 16; 22 & 23 – Families can ride the LM&M to the “North Pole” To visit Santa and Mrs. Claus and be entertained by the elves.
Tickets for the Easter Bunny Express and the Tea Party Mystery Train are now on sale. For many events, advance ticket purchases are encouraged, as rides can sell out.
The ride was very enjoyable and well worth the money for parents with children.
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