Railfan Day 2025
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
Enjoy an interesting, fun and informative day out for railfans! The first train departs East Troy at 10am and the last regularly schedule train leaves at 3pm. Tickets are good all day so you can ride different equipment throughout the day, subject to availability.
Bring your camera and bring your friends!
Bring your camera and bring your friends!
Railfan activities:
- ETRM will operate a mix of its equipment creating the opportunity to see and photograph trains.
- Equipment on display in East Troy and at the Elegant Farmer
- "Behind the Scenes" tour of the Maintenance Facility - available on arrival at the Elegant Farmer (Except for 3:00PM Train)*
- Speeder rides available at the Elegant Farmer ($5 fee)
- Free popcorn in the Depot
- Model Train Display
- Free parking and picnic tables available at the East Troy Depot: 2002 Church Street East Troy, Wisconsin 53120
Depart |
Time |
Operating Equipment Subject to Change |
Behind the Scenes Tour Option on Arrival at The Elegant Farmer |
East Troy |
10:00AM |
CNS&M 761 |
Included* |
East Troy |
11:00AM |
TMER&T 846 or TCRT 1583 |
Included* |
East Troy |
12:00NOON |
CSS&SB 9 & 13 |
Included* |
East Troy |
1:00PM |
CTA 4439 |
Included* |
East Troy |
2:00PM |
CSS&SB 30/33 |
Included* |
East Troy |
3:00PM |
CTA 4420/4453 |
No Tour Available |
* Riders who have purchased a regular ticket through Etix BEFORE August 23rd will be given preference if space becomes limited
Behind the Scenes Tour of the Maintenance Facility
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The Behind the Scenes Tour of the Maintenance Facility will be available on arrival at the Elegant Farmer For Trains Departing East Troy at 10, 11, 12, 1, and 2 (there will not be a tour option for the 3PM train).
Guests who would like a Behind the Scenes tour of the Maintenance Facility will board an East Troy Electric Railroad interurban Car 846 (subject to availability) which will take them to the Maintenance Facility where they will receive a guided tour our maintenance shop and the latest projects in process. Guests must have closed toe shoes and be able to climb on and off the car and walk over tracks and around equipment. |
Speeder Rides and Speeders On Display
Speeder Rides Available on Railfan Day -- Tickets on Sale in the Depot
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The East Troy Depot will be selling a limited number of tickets for speeder rides. After purchasing your train and speeder ride tickets ride the regularly scheduled train down to the Elegant Farmer. At the Elegant Farmer you will queue for a 20 minute speeder ride. Our largest speeder can accommodate a group or family of 4.
North American Railcar Operators Association (NARCOA) 2 or 4 seat speeders will also be on display at the Maintenance Facility (across from the Elegant Farmer). On Railfan Day the regularly scheduled trains will operate between the East Troy Depot and The Elegant Farmer. This will enable the speeders to operate between The Elegant Farmer and Lower Phantom Lake. |
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Photo Opportunities
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Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee Car 761 followed by The Milwaukee Electric Railway and Transport Company Car 846 will make the first run leaving the East Troy Depot at 10:00AM.
A special train consisting of L8 and Car 228 will be parked on the Trent Spur allowing you to take unique photos of this historic Merchandise Despatch (MD) car. At the Maintenance Facility and in front of the Phantom Woods Barn you will have the opportunity to photograph maintenance equipment including Car D23 use for over wire repairs, speeders used in track inspection, and our high rail truck use on the line. |