“All Aboard” echoed the voice of Neil Bagaus, Conductor of the Silver Spur. The passengers were summoned from their waiting area to move outdoors to the deck where we stood in the freezing cold rain anticipating that big moment, the moment when we would board our train. Far off in the distance we could hear the roaring and thunder of the approaching piece of steel on wheels... It got louder and louder as it got closer to the depot.
It rolled in like thunder as it made its way past the deck area, stopping in front of the station for passengers to board. There it was; thousands of pounds of steel all wrapped in silver and red. The train caused excitement in the crowd as it came to a screeching halt.
You could hear the passengers chattering with excitement as if they were about to embark on an amusement park ride. Not only had I never been on a train before, but I had never been that close to a train. I was so excited; I was sure this was the Final Frontier.
The line was moving slowly, as we approached the steps onto the train we were greeted by our conductor, Kevin, and Bob the engineer. As we entered the dinning car it was obvious that everyone expected traditional train seating. You could hear the comments as passengers were looking for their assigned tables.
The car was beautiful as if you had stepped into an early 1900’s parlor or dinning room.
The walls were a beautiful faux leather texture, in a light burgundy with mahogany chair railing lining the cars walls. There were separate dinning tables with beautiful table coverings. The tiffany table top lamps gave a flicker of light to set the mood. Large high back Queen Ann style plush dinning chairs were surely more comfortable than train seats. The chairs were burgundy with an antique rose print. It was no problem sitting and relaxing for a 3 hour ride. Everyone we talk to commented on the atmosphere. We enjoyed the trip as we rattled along the tracks sipping a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of wine while visiting with the passengers.
When Neil Baguas, General Manager, heard we were doing a cover and feature story on the train, he invited us to ride the dinner train to write our story. You would have to experience this to be able to adequately describe it to someone else. This is a must do event. The main reason for featuring the train story is because of the great history this railway, now owned by Inland Railways in New York.
These train tracks once transported the farm workers, foliage workers and citrus pickers into Apopka from all over the country. If you are looking a fantastic night of fun, and great food, then you must go to your phone now and make reservations for this train.
The steak is the best we have ever eaten. We believe it is the way your dinner is planned that makes the entire trip such a grand excursion.
After you are seated, the Conductor introduces himself as the train begins to slowly pull out of the station. You are then greeted by the jolliest gentleman who brings each table a plate of hoursdourvers consisting of crackers, pita wedges, grapes, cheese squares and delicious seafood spread. As you nibble, your server in our case was Chelsea, will come and take your drink order. There is definite difference in the atmosphere with the servers.
The passengers were all happy, getting to know each other, looking around, and of course devouring the hoursdourvers. The meal was planned so that you completely finished on course before another was served. The salad was followed by your main course, but the main course was planned to arrive on your table as you made the stop. The train stopped in Lake Gem where the where it would wait a few minutes to make its return preparations.
The engine car would detach from the train, switch tracks and pass us going to the back of the train. It would then connect to the train so that it would then be the lead car pulling us backward. During this time the passengers walked between rail cars touring the train.
This entire trip is an amusement park all by itself. While enjoying the meal, our Conductor, Kevin came to each car to tell us about the train and the railroad. Kevin was a very interesting young man, with a love for the railroad. He was 20 years old, a bright young college graduate with a degree in computers His love for the railroad and trains was so refreshing, Kevin seemed like this was not just his job, but you could tell in his eyes that the railroad was his passion.
As he spoke, giving you the grand railway speech, his voice, tone and modulation captured your attention. The Mt. Dora, Eustis dinner train was filled with couples celebrating anniversaries and birthdays. Actually the correct name is the Southern Nights Dinner Train.
As we made our way back to the station to end our journey, Kevin said “It was wonderful having you, goodbye folks, if you had a good time my name is Kevin, if you had a bad time my name is Bob.” Everyone laughed and upon leaving could hear the positive remarks as passengers disembarked their journey on the Silver Spur.
Written by Shelley Costello (c) 2007
