The buzz is building as word spreads about The Great Train Robbery rumored to take place at the Strasburg Rail Road April 17, 2010. Passengers aboard the 4 p.m. train should be on guard for a gang of robbers targeting the Strasburg area. To protect the passengers, law enforcement will be on hand to keep the peace and see that justice is served. Passengers should be warned that this trip is filled with theft, scandal and plenty of laughs.

Guests aboard this Strasburg Rail Road train will recognize the robbers by their early 20th century dress. The robbers, who are really improvisation actors from Act 1 Productions, will be mingling with guests at Strasburg’s train station, shops and on board the train. The unsuspecting passengers will be given “loot” to carry on the train, only to have it taken from them during the ride.

As the robbers move from car to car, they will interact with the passengers and try to swipe some loot. As the passengers give up their loot, they can also hand over real cash – all for a good cause. All money collected on the train is donated to the Penn State Hershey Four Diamonds Fund to support its mission of conquering childhood cancer by assisting children treated at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital and their families through superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research.
There are three opportunities to enjoy this exciting ride.

When: April 17 at 4:00 pm, July 25 at 5:00 pm and October 23 at 4:00 pm.

Tickets: Coach prices: $17 adult, $10 kids 3-11, $3 kids under 3.

Where: Strasburg Rail Road, Rt. 741 East, Strasburg, PA

(GPS Address: 301 Gap Road, Ronks, PA 17572)

Tickets: www.StrasburgRailRoad.com, 717-687-7522

Just in time for the holidays, Santa’s Paradise Express is pulling in early to Strasburg Rail Road, bringing Santa on his journey to spread the magic of the season to thousands of families who believe. This year, Santa’s Paradise Express will chug along the tracks starting November 27, 2009.

The Christmas celebration begins on the platform of the East Strasburg Station as the sounds of the season fill the air. Relax as an authentic vintage steam train, warmed by a potbelly stove, takes you on a 45-minute ride, traveling past more than 1,000 acres of picturesque farmland on the way to Paradise, PA. As the train chugs down the track, Santa, carolers and musicians stroll from car-to-car.

After the train ride, children are treated to storybook readings of holiday classics. Children of all ages can also enjoy a ride aboard the Cagney, a miniature steam train. As a special treat, children ages 3 to 11 will receive a gift from Santa and his helper.

Santa’s Paradise Express will be at Strasburg Rail Road, Route 741, Strasburg, PA, starting Thanksgiving weekend, November 27, 28 and 29, 2009. Also, see Santa December 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20, 2009. Trains run throughout the day during weekends and a special 7p.m. train runs on Friday, December 11th and 18th. Tickets are available for $16 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-11. For a complete listing of dates and times, or to purchase tickets go to http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/ or call (717) 687-7522.

Thomas the Tank Engine returns to Strasburg Rail Road for Day Out with Thomas 2009: Hero of the Rails Tour. Tickets for the nine-day event, set for September 12-20, 2009 are on sale now.

The highlight of the fun-filled family festival, now in its 14th year, is a 25-minute train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas and Friends TV and video series. In addition to a ride on the larger-than-life coal-burning steam train, Strasburg Rail Road provides a unique, interactive experience, sure to bring miles of smiles for every guest.

Young engineers in training enjoy operating a hand-powered Pump Car, riding on the Cagney, a miniature steam train, and "steering" the pint-sized Cranky Cars around a track. Children will also have the opportunity to play with other Thomas fans at Thomas and Friends Imagination Station, featuring hands-on arts and crafts activities, coloring sheets and a meet and greet photo opportunity with Sir Topham Hatt. A large selection of Thomas merchandise, including toys, books, railway sets, DVDs, apparel and more, is also available at the Strasburg Rail Road Thomas Toy Store.

The nine-day event draws roughly 40,000 Thomas and Friends fans from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Delaware. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended. Day Out with Thomas 2009: Hero of the Rails Tour will return to Strasburg Rail Road again in December.

Purchase tickets for Day Out With Thomas 2009: Hero of the Rails Tour by calling Ticket Web toll-free 866-468-7630, or by visiting www.ticketweb.com/thomas.html or http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/. Ticket prices are $18 for ages 2 and up (service charges and fees may apply). For more information and directions contact the Strasburg Rail Road at 717-687-7522 or http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/. Day Out With Thomas 2009: The Hero of the Rails Tour is presented by HIT Entertainment and sponsored by The LEGO Group. The Thomas name and character and the Thomas and Friends logo are trademarks of Gullane (Thomas) Limited and it's affiliates and are registered in many jurisdictions throughout the world.

Strasburg Rail Road is America’s oldest short-line railroad. Founded during the first term of President Andrew Jackson, Strasburg Rail Road was incorporated by a special act of the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1832. More than 50 years ago 24, dedicated rail enthusiasts purchased the line, saving it from near abandonment, and created what is now recognized as one of Pennsylvania Dutch Country’s most popular tourist attractions. www.StrasburgRailRoad.com