New Hope Valley Railway’s (NHVR) all-volunteer staff invites train enthusiasts and families to a unique behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to operate a railroad during its Working on the Railroad Day on Sunday, September 11.

“This first-time event gives visitors the opportunity to experience our railroad up close. In addition to riding in passenger cars pulled by a real train, they’ll learn about locomotives and see what it takes for our volunteers to operate and maintain the equipment at our railroad museum,” said Victor Varney, NHVR volunteer and event organizer.

Kid-friendly demonstrations and activity stations will take place throughout the day. Visitors will get to step inside a diesel locomotive cab, observe how railroad tracks are laid, watch a rail crane in action and learn how telegraphs were used to send messages.

They’ll also be part of special happenings in the G scale outdoor garden railway, experience the work train crews used to do in the caboose and see an important display about railroad safety by the North Carolina Operation Lifesaver team.

In addition, an antique handcar will be on display for the day from the North Carolina Transportation Museum based in Spencer. Learn how handcars, first used in the mid-1800s, were used by rail workers to travel and repair the rails, plus much more.

Children 13 years and younger will be issued a 2017 Kid’s Railroad Pass to be stamped at each station they visit. After visiting at least eight demonstrations and activity stations, they can redeem the pass for one free ice cream the day of the event. Additionally, the pass may be used in 2017 for one free child’s train ticket when purchased with an adult ticket on any ride day between April 1 and October 1, 2017.

Visitors can purchase tickets for the diesel or steam trains online at www.TriangleTrain.com. Diesel trains depart at 11 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. and tickets cost $10/adults, $9/seniors (60+) and $7/children (2-12), under two is free. Steam tickets cost $15/adults, $14/seniors and $9/children and depart at 12:15 and 3 p.m.

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.).

Other upcoming NHVR events include Brew ‘n’ Choo: Oktoberfest on September 24; Track or Treat Halloween Express rides on October 15, 22 and 29; and Holiday Santa Trains on December 3, 4, 10 and 11.