VINTAGE TRAIN TO LEAVE MOUNT DORA & TAVARES

1/8/2017

Did you hear it? It was hard to miss the sound of communal jaws dropping in Lake County when it was announced the area's vintage trains, the Orange Blossom Cannonball and Lake Dora Limited, will permanently depart the station on January 31. The last train rides are scheduled for Sunday, January 29, 2017.

The train romanced passengers with its short excursions for almost six years on the tracks that connect Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis. However, the tracks owner, Pinsly Railroad Company, is changing their business strategy for the tracks so it didn't renew the train operator's lease.

"The excursion train just didn't fit in to what we hope to develop in the future," said Pete Petree, Pinsly's vice president. Petree said it was premature to elaborate on those plans as they are not eminent. Reportedly, the tracks between Tavares & Mount Dora will be used for storage.

Currently, there are no plans for the Orange Blossom Cannonball to operate elsewhere in Florida, according to Derek Osgood, manager of the train. However, there is a possibility of it being used again soon in a motion picture which would likely shoot in the southwestern United States.

The ceasing of the trains' operation is unrelated to The Wekiva Trail, an impressive bike trail project that will share the track's path and connect with other Central Florida trails. Due to the logistics of the project and different companies owning the tracks, land and trains, the trail isn't expected to be complete for approximately 5 years. (Read article)

During the train's final two weeks in Lake County, Saturday trains will be steam-powered with the exception of Saturday, January 21.

Orange Blossom Cannonball Engine No. 2 is celebrating its 110th 110th anniversary. The imposing locomotive was built in January 1907 by the Baldwin Locomotive works in Philadelphia. Its career began in the East Texas log woods and eventually began pulling excursion trains in various tracks in Arkansas. Later the black engine had an impressive run in films "North and South", “True Grit”, “3:10 to Yuma”, “Appaloosa”, and “There Will Be Blood.”

To celebrate the anniversary, Engine No. 2 will head the trains January 27 to 29 and cake will be served to passengers. Stations are located in downtown Mount Dora and Tavares. Passenger reservations can be made at
OrangeBlossomCannonball.com.

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12 Comments

Danny Parker link

1/9/2017 10:08:09 am

Where are the trains going to

Judy Mixon

1/9/2017 10:54:07 am

So does this mean that they'll be no use for the tracks at all? Will there be any trains on the track? This is such a loss.

Lynn Winkler

1/9/2017 03:32:51 pm

Yeah. It went past my place--and I am glad to see it go. It would be a great boon to the county to have a bike and walking trail put in its place.

Melissa

1/9/2017 04:17:49 pm

I have enjoyed working on the Orange Blossom and learned to fall in love with the steam engine. She will be missed.

Micha Pope

1/9/2017 05:36:41 pm

I'm sorry to hear that the company did not renew. The train is wonderful to hear and watch. Too bad, so sad.

Mary

1/9/2017 07:46:55 pm

We will miss taking our Granddaughters on the Christmas Train. Sad

Colleen

1/9/2017 08:54:32 pm

I am sorry to see it go. *If the trails won't be completed for 5 years, they need to remove those new stop signs at the tracks on Liberty Ave and Clayton St.

deborah murchison

1/10/2017 12:11:07 am

So sad to see this great train leave. It brought in tourism for the cities of tavares and Mt. Dora... Wish the Pinsly Railroad co. would reconsider. Such wonderful history behind this wood burning steam locomotive. It's one of a kind. I assume bike trails and walks are of greater historic value come the time. Then some homeowners can complain about the noise garbage and traffic of their pets.. We have the bike and walk trails here in Clermont and Groveland. Was a big waste of money. How much will that bring in for revenue for local businesses? umm. But so long and toot toot to the number 2. Long may she chug away in a wonderful new place.. It was wonderful to know her. A piece of American history to fade in the past.

Sherrie

1/10/2017 07:10:25 pm

PLEASE WRITE THESE PEOPLE AND BEG THEM NOT TO TAKE THE TRAINS!

https://www.facebook.com/Pinsly-Railroad-Company-226885974023850/posts/

Sherre

1/12/2017 10:32:14 am

So very sad!!! Love to see and hear the train! My dad was a railroad man and it breaks my heart to see it go! It is part of Mt. Dora's charm.

Victor Maggio

1/14/2017 12:57:23 am

This is not right...Just moved here from Michigan. So excited with the Train...And Now it's Not going to be running. Please Look in to what this brings in to our Community. So Very Sad !!!

Thene Castle

1/24/2017 02:28:21 am

Please change the final date for this awesome piece of history to take its last "run". I am just finding out about this sad news as I am sure others are. Extending this date would be very much appreciated. Better yet.........don't stop it at all!!

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VINTAGE TRAIN TO LEAVE MOUNT DORA & TAVARES

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