Mallet type Steam Locomotive #110 departs Hill City for an excursion on the "1880 Train!"
TrainChasers.com Review of the 1880 Train!
The 1880 Train | Black Hills Central Railroad
Hill City & Keystone, South Dakota
www.1880Train.com
The Ride
As the train departs Hill City it crosses and then follows Spring Creek on the way out of town. Only a few minutes into the journey, the 1880 train will begin to tackle an impressive grade as it climbs into the Black Hills passing abandoned gold mines. Listening to the Black Hills Central Steam Locomotives climb the 4% grade is a treat for any railfan. As the train climbs, keep a look out for narrow gauge railway spurs that used to serve the various mining operations along this route. After the climb, the terrain levels out, and the Black Hills will loom in the distance as the train crosses several grade crossings. Wildlife, such as deer, are common in the fields. The Rocky Walls climb high over the train, as it begins to follow Battle Creek and weave through a passage in the rocks before arriving in Keystone. Passengers can return on the next train, or spend an extended layover in Keystone and take a later train back. The train ride covers 10 miles of track, and takes approximately 2 hours roundtrip.
The 1880 Train | Black Hills Central Railroad
Hill City & Keystone, South Dakota
www.1880Train.com
The Ride
As the train departs Hill City it crosses and then follows Spring Creek on the way out of town. Only a few minutes into the journey, the 1880 train will begin to tackle an impressive grade as it climbs into the Black Hills passing abandoned gold mines. Listening to the Black Hills Central Steam Locomotives climb the 4% grade is a treat for any railfan. As the train climbs, keep a look out for narrow gauge railway spurs that used to serve the various mining operations along this route. After the climb, the terrain levels out, and the Black Hills will loom in the distance as the train crosses several grade crossings. Wildlife, such as deer, are common in the fields. The Rocky Walls climb high over the train, as it begins to follow Battle Creek and weave through a passage in the rocks before arriving in Keystone. Passengers can return on the next train, or spend an extended layover in Keystone and take a later train back. The train ride covers 10 miles of track, and takes approximately 2 hours roundtrip.
Locomotive #110 takes on water and is serviced in Keystone before returning to Hill City.
The Locomotives do not turn on the Black Hills Central, so at Keystone they will uncouple and run around the train before departing for the return to Hill City. During the run around process the locomotives pull forward to the water tower, take on water, and are serviced by the engine crew.
Though the ruling grade is encountered when departing Hill City, the Keystone Departures provide a more steady, albeit gradual, workout for the steam locomotives.
The standard gauge right of way from Hill City to Keystone was originally completed in 1900, as part of the Keystone Branch of the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy.
At the Hill City Depot, the locomotive will once again run around the train, and take on water at the Hill City Water Tower in preparation for it's next departure.
Passengers may also ride roundtrip from Keystone
to Hill City and return.
The Equipmemt
The Black Hills Central has a truly unique fleet of steam locomotives and a set of matching wooden coaches that provide a lovely period specific train set.
The Steam Locomotives at the 1880 train burn oil.
Check the online schedule for Steam Operations. The 1880 Train operates steam on a regular basis, and operates diesel when the Steam Locomotive is down for scheduled maintenance.
The Steam Locomotives
#110 is a 2-6-6-2T "Mallet" Class Articulated Tank Steam Locomotive built by Baldwin in 1928.
#104 is a 2-6-2T Tank Steam Locomotive built by Baldwin in 1926.
Down by the Station
The 1880 Train runs between Hill City, and Keystone SD, and passengers may purchase tickets and board at either end of the line.
Hill City SD
At Hill City there is a nice depot with a Gift Shop and Ticket Office, and a walkway that leads to the "High Liner Snack Shoppe" serving light food (Sandwiches, Burgers, Hot Dogs, etc.) and snacks with picnic tables that overlook the rail yard. The Black Hills Central Railroad Shops are located here, and while the repair shops are not open to the public, the shop area and rail yard are very visible from the public walk way. There is a large, paved, parking lot at the Hill City depot.
I personally recommend departing from this location.
Keystone SD
At Keystone SD the railroad has a small station with a gift shop, and a boarding platform. The station is set right along a busy street in Keystone, which itself is a fairly busy tourist town with lots of gift shops and restaurants. There is public parking available near the depot, however it may be hard to find open spaces during busy times of the year.
The Train offers open window coaches, and open air cars. Since both cars offer the chance to hear the locomotives, both are good choices.
The Chase
The Black Hills Central Railroad is a great line to chase, and since they operate multiple departures each day, I recommend you ride first and chase a following trip. The Climb out of Hill City is a great opportunity for Video Recording mountain steam railroading. The Black Hills offer an excellent backdrop for photos, and the matching consist of the 1880 train, along with the unique steam locomotives they operate makes this line a real treat.
Follow "Old Hill City Road" - it follows and crosses the tracks several times on the journey from Hill City to Keystone.
Locomotive note - The Locomotives are not all turned the same way. If you want to photograph a forward facing locomotive the #110 is facing forward departing Hill City, while the #104 is reversed departing Hill City.
Other Railroad Attractions
South Dakota State Railroad Museum - Located right next door to the Hill City Depot, This museum features a variety of exhibits including the South Dakota State "Time Rail", a model railroad, a Home Town Depot, and Railroads in Cinema.
This museum is a great addition to your ride on the 1880 train.
More info - www.SDSRM.org
Things to Know
The 1880 Train is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial are both within 15 miles of the Hill City depot. Custer State Park and the Needles Highway are both nearby and highly recommended.
Hill City SD has a good number of hotels and restaurants, making it a great place to stay while visiting the area.
Photos from my visits -
Though the ruling grade is encountered when departing Hill City, the Keystone Departures provide a more steady, albeit gradual, workout for the steam locomotives.
The standard gauge right of way from Hill City to Keystone was originally completed in 1900, as part of the Keystone Branch of the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy.
At the Hill City Depot, the locomotive will once again run around the train, and take on water at the Hill City Water Tower in preparation for it's next departure.
Passengers may also ride roundtrip from Keystone
to Hill City and return.
The Equipmemt
The Black Hills Central has a truly unique fleet of steam locomotives and a set of matching wooden coaches that provide a lovely period specific train set.
The Steam Locomotives at the 1880 train burn oil.
Check the online schedule for Steam Operations. The 1880 Train operates steam on a regular basis, and operates diesel when the Steam Locomotive is down for scheduled maintenance.
The Steam Locomotives
#110 is a 2-6-6-2T "Mallet" Class Articulated Tank Steam Locomotive built by Baldwin in 1928.
#104 is a 2-6-2T Tank Steam Locomotive built by Baldwin in 1926.
Down by the Station
The 1880 Train runs between Hill City, and Keystone SD, and passengers may purchase tickets and board at either end of the line.
Hill City SD
At Hill City there is a nice depot with a Gift Shop and Ticket Office, and a walkway that leads to the "High Liner Snack Shoppe" serving light food (Sandwiches, Burgers, Hot Dogs, etc.) and snacks with picnic tables that overlook the rail yard. The Black Hills Central Railroad Shops are located here, and while the repair shops are not open to the public, the shop area and rail yard are very visible from the public walk way. There is a large, paved, parking lot at the Hill City depot.
I personally recommend departing from this location.
Keystone SD
At Keystone SD the railroad has a small station with a gift shop, and a boarding platform. The station is set right along a busy street in Keystone, which itself is a fairly busy tourist town with lots of gift shops and restaurants. There is public parking available near the depot, however it may be hard to find open spaces during busy times of the year.
The Train offers open window coaches, and open air cars. Since both cars offer the chance to hear the locomotives, both are good choices.
The Chase
The Black Hills Central Railroad is a great line to chase, and since they operate multiple departures each day, I recommend you ride first and chase a following trip. The Climb out of Hill City is a great opportunity for Video Recording mountain steam railroading. The Black Hills offer an excellent backdrop for photos, and the matching consist of the 1880 train, along with the unique steam locomotives they operate makes this line a real treat.
Follow "Old Hill City Road" - it follows and crosses the tracks several times on the journey from Hill City to Keystone.
Locomotive note - The Locomotives are not all turned the same way. If you want to photograph a forward facing locomotive the #110 is facing forward departing Hill City, while the #104 is reversed departing Hill City.
Other Railroad Attractions
South Dakota State Railroad Museum - Located right next door to the Hill City Depot, This museum features a variety of exhibits including the South Dakota State "Time Rail", a model railroad, a Home Town Depot, and Railroads in Cinema.
This museum is a great addition to your ride on the 1880 train.
More info - www.SDSRM.org
Things to Know
The 1880 Train is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial are both within 15 miles of the Hill City depot. Custer State Park and the Needles Highway are both nearby and highly recommended.
Hill City SD has a good number of hotels and restaurants, making it a great place to stay while visiting the area.
Photos from my visits -
