New Hope Valley Railway (NHVR) will honor military personnel and their families on Sunday, July 10 with its Military Appreciation ride day.

Up to four free tickets are being offered for the diesel locomotive to active duty, reserve, National Guard, veterans and retired military personnel. The free tickets are for the diesel train excursions only and depart at 11 a.m. and 1:45 pm on July 10.

To get free tickets for yourself and up to three family members, present military identification at the ticket booth located near the parking lot before crossing the pedestrian bridge to the rail yard. Free tickets can only be picked up in person at the ticket booth and not reserved online.

Additional tickets can be purchased for the diesel rides that are expected to sell out. Visitors should plan to arrive at least one hour prior to their departure time. Steam train rides are also happening that day, but the free tickets are only good for the diesel train rides departing at 11 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.

Much of the historic railroad equipment at NHVR was on a U.S. military base before finding its home at the rail yard. All four of NHVR’s covered passenger cars were built from flat rail cars that were used to haul tanks and other heavy equipment based at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C. The museum exhibit car and gift shop were originally kitchen cars for troop trains during World War II.

“Military Appreciation ride day is our way to thank soldiers and veterans for their service and honor their families with free tickets for our diesel locomotive,” said Dave Chasco, NHVR marketing director. “Families can spend a fun day together riding the Triangle’s Train and touring the North Carolina Railway Museum.”

Diesel tickets for non-military riders (or military families wanting more than the free four-ticket limit) cost $10/adults, $9/seniors (60+) and $7/children (2-12), under two is free. Steam tickets for all guests (military and the general public) cost $15/adult, $14/seniors and $9/children and depart at 12:15 and 3 p.m. Steam tickets can be purchased online at www.TriangleTrain.com.

County Line Sweets, Top This and Franks My Way, a hot dog wagon serving a children’s menu, will be at the rail yard along with Bruster’s Real Ice Cream of Apex and face painting by Parties & Art Adventures (1-4 p.m.).