In the past week and a half, a film crew has been shooting performances by all sorts of music artists at various locations in Tucumcari, New Mexico, for a forthcoming "Bands of Enchantment" series on television. Elkhorn Entertainment, which is producing the series with the help of the city's motel tax funds, envisions the show … Continue reading Forthcoming “Bands of Enchantment” TV music show filming in Tucumcari
Category: Railroad
Train derailment near Ludlow closes Route 66 indefinitely
The derailment Wednesday of a freight train east of Ludlow, California, has closed National Trails Highway (aka Route 66) "for an unknown duration" due to a hazardous liquid spill. The Victorville Daily Press reports the accident just east of town shortly after noon involved 25 to 35 railcars. San Bernardino County Fire Department spokesperson Tracey … Continue reading Train derailment near Ludlow closes Route 66 indefinitely
Train planned for Red Oak II complex near Carthage
One of the part-owners of the Red Oak II complex near Route 66 near Carthage, Missouri, plans to add a rideable train to the complex in the coming years. This revelation is tucked into a story about Red Oak II by Thrillist. The reporter didn't talk to its creator, Lowell Davis, because he was in … Continue reading Train planned for Red Oak II complex near Carthage
Construction begins on Route 66 Village Train Depot in Tulsa
Construction has started on a $3 million Route 66 Village Train Depot at the Route 66 Village in southwest Tulsa. According to a news release from the city of Tulsa, the 5,000-square foot depot will be built next to the existing locomotive on the site at 3770 Southwest Blvd. (aka Route 66). The depot will … Continue reading Construction begins on Route 66 Village Train Depot in Tulsa
Fire destroys 120-year-old railcar slated for restoration in Galena
A purported arson fire Tuesday destroyed an 1899 passenger railcar in Galena, Kansas, slated to begin restoration as a future tourist attraction along Route 66. Former Galena mayor Dale Oglesby stated in a Facebook post the former presidential railcar from the Kansas City Southern Railway contained hand-laid mosaic tile showers, a kitchen, a dining room, … Continue reading Fire destroys 120-year-old railcar slated for restoration in Galena
New Route Historical 66 Village neon sign lights the sky in Tulsa
The Route 66 Historical Village in southwest Tulsa lighted its new neon sign a few days ago -- one of at least a dozen new or restored neon signs along the historic highway in that city. Tulsa-area resident Susan Yates shared this short video and another clip of the animated sign on Facebook. Here's a … Continue reading New Route Historical 66 Village neon sign lights the sky in Tulsa
Suspicious fire damages historic trolley car in Sapulpa
The historic electric trolley car along Route 66 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, was damaged by a suspicious fire early Wednesday. Sapulpa News and Views reported on Facebook: First thought to have been caused by an electrical short in Christmas display lighting, a lock pried off one of the street car’s two doors and security camera footage … Continue reading Suspicious fire damages historic trolley car in Sapulpa
Grand Canyon Railway marks 30th year, helped revitalize Williams
The Grand Canyon Railway recently marked its 30th anniversary, and it helped revive the Route 66 town of Williams, Arizona, after it was bypassed by Interstate 40. The Williams News posted an excellent overview of the railway, which carries passengers from Williams to the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park, and its impact on … Continue reading Grand Canyon Railway marks 30th year, helped revitalize Williams
Needles seeks to add California Welcome Center in town
The Needles Chamber of Commerce recently lobbied Visit California to add a California Welcome Center in the city. The Needles Desert Star reported: According to the Visit California website, each of the California Welcome Centers is staffed with personal travel concierges, knowledgeable experts who are ready to provide information that will enhance and enrich a … Continue reading Needles seeks to add California Welcome Center in town
Castaneda Hotel’s south wing likely will open April 1
The south wing of the historic Castaneda Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico, likely will open to overnight travelers for the first time in decades on April 1. The hotel's Facebook page posted this brief announcement on Monday: Friday we passed our elevator and fire inspections 😇. We should be able to open the south wing … Continue reading Castaneda Hotel’s south wing likely will open April 1