Burnet adds steam to get historic railcar restoration on track
The Hill Country Flyer in Burnet in 2018. File photo
Two passenger cars from the Austin Steam Train Association will get a needed facelift this summer with help from the city of Burnet, after councilors approved $20,000 in funding for their restoration at a Tuesday, April 14, meeting.
Restoration funds will come from the city’s hotel occupancy tax budget, which can only be used on projects which promote the tourism industry and draw in visitors.
The project will include complete repainting and relettering of two passenger cars attached to the Hill Country Flyer, a steam train with routes between Cedar Park and Burnet that brings in an estimated 25,000 passengers annually.
According to ASTA Mechanical Foreman Matt Jackson, work will begin in July when volunteers are readily available, and should be completed within six weeks.
As a good-will gesture from the ASTA for the donation, the two passenger cars, currently named the Buckeye Lake and Buckeye Trail, will be renamed and renumbered in honor of the city of Burnet.
“These cars make up 30 percent of our coach ridership, which is roughly 5,200 passengers annually.” Jackson said at the meeting. “We thought they were great candidates and well represented community impact.”
Councilors showed appreciation for the ASTA Hill Country Flyer route and its impact on city tourism, while also voicing hopes for extended layovers in Burnet in the future. The typical 66-mile route currently features a 2-hour stop in Burnet.
Visit the Austin Steam Train Association website for more information and to learn about the Hill Country Flyer.