New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR), the Triangle’s Train, begins its new 2014 ride season on Saturday, April 12, in conjunction with the North Carolina Science Festival.

NHVR will celebrate the statewide series of events that showcase science, technology, engineering and mathematics with its train rides and free science demonstrations and kids’ activities, including train safety programs and storytime book readings.

"It can be just as fun to learn what makes a train run, as it is to ride one. We bring the science of trains to life by kicking off our new season with the North Carolina Science Festival," says Brittany Santore, NHVR Science Festival coordinator.

"On opening day, families can enjoy the leisure of the riding a train, while learning about the different types, their many uses and their importance historically and today," Santore adds.

In addition to train rides, activities throughout the day will include:

The Science of Steam Locomotives: NHVR volunteers will demonstrate the ideal gas law and show visitors the workings of boilers and nozzles and how they help create the expansion of steam to create pressure and eventually the science of combustion.

The Science of Diesel Locomotives: This presentation will show how a diesel motor turns a generator to create electricity that powers the locomotive. Visitors can climb into the cab of the locomotive to see the working instruments and moving parts that run the diesel train.

The Science of Railroad Track: Visitors will get the opportunity to swing a maul and drive a spike to experience the science behind how the track structure distributes and carries the weight of a train.

G Scale Model Garden Railroad Discussion: NHVR’s garden railroad display generates excitement and identification with Thomas the Train and friends for the younger train enthusiasts and a live steam locomotive for those interested in a more technically inclined train. There is more than 1000 feet of track with running model trains at the rail yard, which provide a scenic environment and an overview of various train operations.

Operation Lifesaver caboose: Understanding train safety is as important as the science behind how a locomotive works. Operation Lifesaver is a national program that teaches rail safety education. Children and parents can board one of the cabooses to get an activity booklet with tips for train safety.

Cliffside Railroad 110 Discussion: Last year, NHVR acquired Steam Engine 110 which has rich history dating back to the early 1900s in North Carolina. Visitors will learn how the steam engine is being restored and more about its glory days of hauling supplies and passengers. NHVR is restoring the steam locomotive so it can operate on the tracks used by the railway for public ride days.

Other opening day activities will include kid crafts as well as storytime with Uncle John who will read train-related children’s books.

The Manna Concessions food truck will be in the rail yard serving a variety of items, including hot dogs and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.

Gates will be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Diesel trains will depart at 12:15 p.m. and 3 p.m. and tickets cost $10 for adults and $7 for children. Steam rides will depart 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and tickets cost $12 for adults and $8 for children. Children under two ride free. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online at www.TriangleTrain.com. Any unsold tickets will be available at the train yard the day of the ride.