Grapevine Vintage Railroad

Formerly known as the Tarantula Railroad
Grapevine, Texas

The Tarantula Railroad is one of the few opportunities left in the country to ride the rails on a train pulled by steam power.  The train leaves the Grapevine, Texas depot Wednesday - Saturday at 10:00 am and arrives at the Fort Worth Stockyard Station about around 11:15 pm.  The arrival time varies because unlike some excursion trains, the Tarantula railroad is on live track and has to compete with freight trains for track space.    

The train is currently not scheduled to run on Mondays or Tuesday and has a slightly different schedule on Sundays.  Be sure and check their web page for details.  Grapevine Vintage Railroad

If you haven't been to the Fort Worth Stockyards in a while your in for a treat.  There is a lot to see and do and a lot to spend your money on.  You can buy a saddle a pair boots or the latest George Straight CD and much more.   

Another thing that will get your attention at the Fort Worth Stockyards is the "Worlds Only Daily Cattle Drive."  This herd of Longhorns are herded down Exchange street twice daily, 11:30 am and 4:00 pm.  There are lots of photo opportunities with all the cows, cowboys and this crazy guy that can be found most of the day riding a saddled longhorn steer, and he loves to have his picture taken.  If he really likes you he'll even let you sit on his steer and take your picture.  

Don't get too wrapped up in the shopping, sites, sounds (and smells) of the stockyard or you will miss the your train back to Grapevine.  The train pulls out of the station promptly at 2:30 pm for a 4:00 pm arrival back at the station.  

While you were doing all that shopping and eating, the train took a quick one hour trip down to the Trinity River and back.  This shorter trip might be a good option if you want the experience of riding the rails but want an open ended time schedule at the Stockyards.  

History of some of the Equipment

Steam Locomotive No. 2248 is a product of the Cooke Locomotive Works of Paterson, NJ. Built in 1896, 2248 was called a "heavy mountain-class" locomotive as indicated on the original Cooke drawings. The 4-6-0, or 10 wheeler, was built for and used by Southern Pacific

The engine is turned on a 1927 Santa Fe Railroad Turntable for its journey to Fort Worth's historic Stockyards. The massive 180-ton turntable was originally installed in Brownwood, Texas and later was moved to Saginaw, Texas where Grapevine obtained it.

Resources:
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Fort Worth Stockyards