Gone are the days when steam-powered trains rolled across the American landscape carrying valuable freight and hundreds of eager passengers, from business travelers to adventure-seekers.

But the Boone Railroad Historical Society has built upon the century-old history of one of Iowa’s most treasured stretch of train tracks to create a Central Iowa getaway that is a throwback to the early 1900s and the vibrant rail industry remembered by older generations.

The society’s brainchild, the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, traverses the same 11.3 miles of tracks that were first built in the 1890s to haul coal. Automobiles eventually cut into passenger numbers and forced railroads to cut back on their services, though freight service continued on the Boone line until 1983.

But later that year, the historical society unleashed an effort to preserve the piece of railroad history that had brought prosperity to many towns in the area for decades. Offering daily rides on an electric trolley and on diesel- and steam-powered trains, as well as special events that take passengers through the scenic valley, the society brings a bit of nostalgia to some and new and exciting experiences to others.

“With the regular excursion trains, there are grandpas and grandmas who take the kids because they remember riding the train, or kids who bring their mom and dad because they want them to have another chance to ride the train,” says Fenner Stevenson, general manager of the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad.

Visitors can hop on board a weekend dinner train, a Saturday afternoon dessert train, a Sunday picnic train and regular daily train excursions. But two special events are back in 2005 by popular demand, sure to please all train lovers.

Over the next two weekends, the railroad and the city of Boone will welcome an estimated 15,000 visitors for “Day Out With Thomas 2005: The Celebration Tour,” which will bring famed storybook locomotive Thomas the Tank Engine onto the tracks for a 60th-anniversary celebration. Visitors, who are expected from as far away as Switzerland, will ride the train as it follows Thomas down the tracks. The event will also include storytelling, a magician, videos and other activities for children.

In late November and early December, the Santa Express Train will return for the second year to the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, a holiday getaway that was enjoyed by about 2,000 people in 2004. During a one-hour ride, passengers will be served hot chocolate and cookies as they listen to the tale of “The Polar Express” and enjoy a visit from Santa Claus.

For more information on the railroad and its schedules, visit www.scenic-valleyrr.com.