NEW FREEDOM TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Steam, Victorian Coaches, and York County Pastures: The Glen Rock Express on No. 17
A one-hour, round-trip steam excursion from New Freedom to Glen Rock aboard the replica William H. Simpson No. 17—this guide explains what to expect, where to board, and which vintage cars to choose.
Steam, Victorian Coaches, and York County Pastures: The Glen Rock Express on No. 17.
On a Memorial Day ride with the Northern Central Railway, the William H. Simpson No. 17 replica steam locomotive pulls a string of restored 19th-century coaches out of the historic New Freedom station and threads the original Northern Central Railroad corridor through York County’s rolling farmland and small towns. In sixty minutes you’ll travel the same route that has carried passengers since the 1800s, gain glimpses of local history along the Heritage Rail Trail County Park, and step aboard cars recreated to evoke Victorian-era travel.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
No. 17: a working replica steam engine
The William H. Simpson No. 17 replica provides the centerpiece of the Memorial Day Special—a steam-hauled round trip that recreates the sights, sounds, and smell of historic rail travel along the Northern Central corridor.
Choose a vintage coach: combine, parlor, open-air, or caboose
Passengers may select from several restored coaches—D. Reed Anderson combine car (accessible, with restrooms), Abraham Lincoln and New Freedom Victorian-style coaches with reversible cushioned seats, an open-air South Branch coach, a newly restored caboose with cupola seating, or an open Gondola—each offering a distinct period experience.
A compact sweep of York County communities and countryside
The one-hour round trip follows the route of the original Northern Central Railroad through the Heritage Rail Trail County Park, passing quaint towns, valleys, and stretches that trace the South Branch of the Codorus Creek.
What the day feels like
What the hour feels like
Board at the historic New Freedom depot and settle into a Victorian-era coach as steam and whistle announce departure. The train moves out across pastoral stretches and through village settings along the Heritage Rail Trail, then reaches Glen Rock before reversing for the return—an immersive, short-form journey that emphasizes period atmosphere over distance.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Memorial Day Special is a one-hour round trip; arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in at the Gift Shop and receive your boarding pass.
Boarding takes place at New Freedom Historic Station, 117 North Front Street; check in at the on-site Gift Shop to receive your boarding pass before departure.
Different coaches offer varied amenities—restrooms and accessibility in the D. Reed Anderson combine car, coal-stove heating and operable windows in several coaches, and open-air seating in the South Branch and Gondola cars.
Expect historic seating arrangements (reversible cushioned seats in many cars), period heating via coal stoves, and the option of enclosed or open-air riding experiences depending on your chosen car.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where do I board the train?
Boarding is at the New Freedom Historic Station; check in at the Gift Shop to receive your boarding pass prior to departure.
How long is the excursion?
The Memorial Day Special is a one-hour round trip to Glen Rock and back.
When should I arrive?
Passengers are asked to arrive approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to check in and collect boarding passes.
Are there restrooms on board?
Certain cars include restrooms—specifically the D. Reed Anderson combine car—while other coaches have different amenities; check coach descriptions when selecting seating.
Is there accessible seating?
Yes—accessible seating and restrooms are available in the D. Reed Anderson combine car; accessibility in other cars varies.
Can I choose an open-air seat?
Yes—an open-air experience is offered on the South Branch coach and on the Gondola car, while enclosed historic coaches provide a Victorian-style interior.