Branson Scenic Railway

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Passengers boarding the train at the depot in downtown Branson.

The Branson Scenic Railway is a heritage railroad in Branson, Missouri.

It operates tourist trains in the scenic Ozark Mountains between Branson north to Galena, Missouri, or between Branson south to the Barren Fork Trestle in Arkansas. Each train operates for approximately 40 miles as a round trip.

[edit] Equipment

The railroad operates a variety of vintage railroad equipment, including two dome cars, a dining car, and several coaches built by the Budd Company. Power is provided by an EMD F7 A unit on the northbound end of the train and an EMD GP30 on the southbound end of the train. This arrangement makes it possible to make the return trip without having to use a wye junction or a passing siding.

[edit] History

The railroad was originally built as the White River Railway between 1902 and 1905. Because of the rugged terrain of the Ozarks, a number of trestles and tunnels were required in order to create a level railroad grade. The railroad made it possible for tourists to travel into the region, and it helped to make Branson and the Ozarks the tourism destination it is today.

The Branson Scenic Railway tourist trains depart from a historic depot in downtown Branson and use trackage still in operation by the Missouri and Northern Arkansas Railroad. Traffic on the MNA determines whether the train will operate northbound or southbound.