TRIP TO SMITHVILLE.
Approximately one hour scenic drive to the James H. Long Railroad Park and Museum. (More info)

They have a small park with restrooms, antique Katy Railroad cabooses, depot and one room rail museum. Nice photo ops. Museum also has restroom. Layover 25-30 minutes. Museum includes artifacts and photos including the 1911 steam loco that exploded in the local repair shop and killed 10 men and injured several others. They have a glass jug for donations.

SMITHVILLE TO NEW BRAUNFELS

Appx. two hours, mixture of scenery. We will arrive at the New Braunfels Railroad Museum (More info) appx 12:45pm.

The museum's rolling stock includes a steam engine, box car, caboose and of course the dining car. More photo ops.

We will have lunch in the 1922 Pullman rail passenger car that we restored from a junk heap into an elegant dining car. It will seat 56. Overflow will need to be accommodated in the spartan but charming caboose. Lunch will be catered by our local well-known Granzin's BBQ. Here's the menu, buffet style, to include (on average per person) 1/4# of brisket, one piece of chicken, 1/2 link of thick sausage, bread, cole slaw, potato salad, onions, pickles, extra sauce, ice tea, water, utensils and light desserts. TOTAL COST ONLY $10. No extra tax or tipping!

A donation of $2 to $3 dollars per person would be appreciated as they barely cover their maintenance costs as they lack outside subsidies. The front of the museum is a great photo op. The chapter members will view (not usually shown to the general public) the gorgeous 1950s now defunct Joske's Department Store alpine style model rail layout that they are restoring in their supply room.