Colebrookdale Railroad Provides Restoration Update, Volunteer of the Month & More

Article from the Colebrookdale Railroad June 2026 Newsletter

Restoration Update: The Crane
This is actually one of the most historically significant artifacts at the Colebrookdale Railroad!! She is getting a fresh coat of paint and new lettering.

The crane was built by the legendary Phoenix Iron Company of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, likely around 1867, making it older than the railroad itself.

The Phoenix Iron Company was one of America's most important iron manufacturers and supplied bridges, structural iron, railroad equipment, and even Civil War artillery.

The most remarkable part of the crane is its support structure. It incorporates a Phoenix Column, an innovative hollow wrought-iron column developed by the Phoenix Iron Company. This design was revolutionary in the 19th century because it was exceptionally strong yet relatively lightweight. Phoenix Columns were used in major engineering projects, including portions of the Washington Monument and even components associated with the Eiffel Tower.

One of the most interesting connections is that visitors who see this crane are looking at a product of the same company that built the famous Phoenix Iron Company bridge used on the Colebrookdale line. It is believed to be the only operating Phoenix crane in the United States. Preservationists have also described it as possibly the only surviving Phoenix Column freight crane of its type. It is estimated to be approximately 160 years old.

Father's Day Celebrations

June is packed with unforgettable experiences at the Colebrookdale Railroad, and we have three wonderful ways to celebrate Dad this Father’s Day!
1. Treat him to one of our popular Beef & Beer Excursions on June 20 at 1:00 PM or June 21 at 1:00 PM, where Dad will enjoy a complimentary beer of his choice while taking in the scenic beauty of Pennsylvania’s Secret Valley.

2. Prefer to start Father’s Day with a delicious meal? Join us for our Hearty Breakfast Excursion on June 21 at 10:00 AM, featuring all the breakfast favorites Dad loves. After all, time spent together creates memories that last forever!

3, The fun doesn’t stop there! Throughout the month, enjoy our special Dinner Excursions on select Friday evenings—perfect for a unique date night. Every Saturday, we offer delightful lunch and dinner train rides, and every Sunday, our infamous brunch excursions continue to be a favorite among families and friends. Whether you're celebrating Dad, planning a romantic outing, or simply looking for a memorable adventure, there’s always something exciting happening aboard the Colebrookdale Railroad!

Our open-air viewing car in now available so step aboard for a journey through the breathtaking Secret Valley, where history and nature meet along restored vintage railcars.

Meet the People Who Keep the Railroad Running
This Month We Are Highlighting: RYAN CIANO

A graduate of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, expert metal fabricator, and welder extraordinaire! Since joining the Colebrookdale Railroad family last year, Ryan has been absolutely instrumental in the restoration of our vintage railcars.Every polished detail, every restored panel, and every piece of handcrafted metalwork tells a story of passion, precision, and dedication. When you ride aboard the Colebrookdale Railroad, you’re not just taking a train ride — you’re experiencing a true labor of love and a craft that has become far too rare in today’s world.

Ryan’s talent, hard work, and commitment to preserving railroad history help keep these beautiful vintage cars alive for future generations to enjoy, and we couldn’t be prouder to have him as part of our team!

Seasonal Food & Beverage Highlights
Savor the Flavors of Summer Aboard the Colebrookdale Railroad

Summer has officially arrived, and we're bringing the sunshine straight to your table! This season, we're serving up a trio of warm-weather favorites designed to make every ride feel like a vacation.

Cool off with an ice-cold Coronathe perfect companion for a scenic journey through Pennsylvania's beautiful countryside. Looking for something with a little extra tropical flair? Sip on one of our refreshing Margaritas expertly crafted to deliver just the right balance of citrus, sweetness, and summertime fun.

And what's a great drink without the perfect snack? Our Chips & Salsa offer a fresh, flavorful crunch that's ideal for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

Whether you're joining us for brunch, lunch, dinner, or a special excursion, these seasonal favorites bring laid-back summer vibes, great flavors, and a touch of sunshine to every trip. Gather your friends, raise a glass, and toast to long days, warm nights, and unforgettable memories aboard the Colebrookdale Railroad.

Summer tastes better on the rails!

Do you have questions about the Colebrookdale Railroad? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions section on our website! Something we didn’t answer? Please call us at 610-367-0200 or send an email to

Not sure what car to choose?

You can always view pictures of all our train cars before you book to choose the best option for your party!

Are you looking for a unique venue to hold your wedding or group function? Are you interested in a charter trip?

Reach out to plan a memorable trip that can be customized to meet your vision!

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• Boyertown Junior Woman’s Club Announces $18,240.00 in Community Donations Boyertown Junior Woman's Club, dedicated toimproving the lives of others in our community by supporting important causes, announces the recipients of its yearly contributions.