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SCRANTON — As families waited in line inside the roundhouse at the Steamtown National Historic Site on Saturday, children adventured inside a black 790 I.C.R.R. steam engine. While pushing levers and pulling strings, the kids pretended to be their very own locomotive conductor, even finding the long line that controlled the giant bell sitting atop the engine.

Soon after, a green 1929 Baldwin No. 26 locomotive came rolling down the tracks, pulling a rust-colored No. 889 Lackawanna caboose full of passengers. Nearing the final stop, Steamtown volunteers jumped off the back of the caboose as they placed a small stepstool down between them, aiding their passengers departure before reloading. Next to them, volunteer conductor Mike Rinkunas observed the black clouds billowing out of the locomotive’s smokestack.

“That smell, that’s what it’s all about,” Rinkunas said as he pointed to the steam engine, adding that the bursts of smoke and steam bring many a smile on the faces of children. “That’s the best part.”

Steamtown is one of many National Parks across the country participating in “Fee-Free Week,” offering free admission into the site as well as special discounted rides, activities and more. Aside from holding the fee-free events, Saturday also marked the first day of the park’s regular operating season.

More than 400 riders were expected to walk through the site’s doors throughout the day, many simply wanting the chance to physically experience a steam locomotive for themselves. To accommodate those 400 riders, the Baldwin will burn through between two and three tons of coal as it and the Lackawanna transports patrons down one track of the railroad yard.

“There’s not a lot of places that actually let you get up-close and personal and see it moving and experience it moving,” he said, adding that many of the volunteers love seeing patrons reactions to the old trains. “If it wasn’t for the people here, we would not be doing this — there’s no other reason than to bring history to life and for people to see what it was like 100 years ago.”

In fact, most of the yard’s members work on a volunteer basis, with many coming in with little knowledge about steam engines. The Steamtown Historic Site, Rinkunas said, teaches and trains all of their volunteers about how the engines work and the history of the steel powerhouses in relation to Northeast Pennsylvania – and the country as a whole.

Finally making it to the front of the line, Michael Maul and Crystal Hanlon, of Glen Lyon, awaited their turn to board the caboose with their family. While Michael has been to the site with his daughter in the past, Crystal and her children have not. As they watched the train near the boarding station, Maul explained his favorite part of the historic site.

“I like the handcart best because I’ve always wanted to try it,” he said. His daughter, 10 year-old Sabrina Maul, added that she enjoyed playing in the shipping containers.

Ready to take on a new load of passengers, the Baldwin’s engine crew prepped the train by throwing more coal into the boiler. Watching from the ground, locomotive mechanic and yard master Mike Oprisko waved the group on as a burst of steam shot out of the engine, causing a loud whistle and prompting many to cover their ears.

Oprisko has been working at Steamtown for 24 years. Originally employed by the U.S. Navy, he found himself working in an engine room upon a ship. Learning different aspects about steam and boilers and machinery, Oprisko found himself carrying the basic skill set to become a railroader. Today, he is in charge of repairing and restoring many of the trains located at Steamtown, often building new or replacement parts from scratch. He said he enjoys when the site offers events such as the fee-free days, which brings in more of the general public and keeps the history of steam engines alive.

“The place is a historic site. It’s about history,” he said. ” Railroads helped build the country. If it wasn’t for them, we probably would not be where we’re at today. Railroads span the country, and they’re all around the world now. They really helped build this country.”

Aside from the caboose rides, the Steamtown National Historic Site also offered trolley rides throughout the day as part of an Easter holiday special, bringing in crafts and activities for children including coloring and balloon artist Ally’s Air.

Children who rode on the trolley were able to go home with a special treat, and families who purchased items within the gift shop were able to choose a special stuffed animal from the Easter tree.

Volunteer Conductor Mike Rinkunas, right, speaks with 6-year-old Carter Henicheck and his sister, Isabel, after they choose one of the few upper-level seats inside the caboose.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Steamtown_2-cmyk.jpg.optimal.jpgVolunteer Conductor Mike Rinkunas, right, speaks with 6-year-old Carter Henicheck and his sister, Isabel, after they choose one of the few upper-level seats inside the caboose. Marcella Kester | For Times Leader

Steamtown locomotive engineer Dominick Tardogno leads the 1929 Baldwin No. 26 on one of the many Caboose rides Saturday at the historic park in Scranton on Saturday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Steamtown_1-cmyk.jpg.optimal.jpgSteamtown locomotive engineer Dominick Tardogno leads the 1929 Baldwin No. 26 on one of the many Caboose rides Saturday at the historic park in Scranton on Saturday. Marcella Kester | For Times Leader

By Marcella Kester

For Times Leader

WHAT’S NEXT

The Steamtown National Historic Site will continue taking part in National Park Week, offering more fee-free days and rides throughout the month.

• Caboose rides continue next weekend for $5 for patrons over 6 years old.

• Weekday Limited rides are also available at a cost of $7 per person.

• A special weekend Limited train ride will be operating Saturday at a discounted price of $5.

• The Nay Aug Gorge Limited ride will be available to the public on Sunday.

• Children under six ride free.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/stea.