Google the words "beer" and "train" and you get lots of results--and not
always what you expect.
One evening, I decided to search for information about trains that haul beer from breweries in Colorado--the so-called Beer Run on the BNSF's Golden Subdivision (which primarily serves to transport cars into and out of the Coors Brewing company).
As it turns out, that's not the only kind of beer train out there. And unlike the Beer Run, which transports beer in boxcars, there are other trains where beer can be consumed on board.
One evening, I decided to search for information about trains that haul beer from breweries in Colorado--the so-called Beer Run on the BNSF's Golden Subdivision (which primarily serves to transport cars into and out of the Coors Brewing company).
As it turns out, that's not the only kind of beer train out there. And unlike the Beer Run, which transports beer in boxcars, there are other trains where beer can be consumed on board.
There's the LaJolla, CA Beer Train, for example. (Slogan: "Hops" Aboard the
Beer Train!) Says the ad copy on their web page: "Join us on the Beer Train! Leave a low carbon footprint and enjoy ample tastes
of local craft beers paired with the best of San Diego's food offerings.
The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad offers
a beer tasting train. (Motto: "The ales go on the rails.") It features regional
craft beers and food. It has a special run for Oktoberfest as well.
Another beer train can be found on the Alaska Railroad, which features the
Microbrew Express. (Motto:
The best desingated driver ever: The Alaska Railroad.)
In Oregon, the Mount Hood Railroad operates the LaGunitas Oregon Beer Train. In Ohio, you can ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad's beer-tasting train.
Modellers are not to be out-done; during the World Cup some football fans
in Denmark didn't want to miss a moment of the action to get up and get a beer.
So they built a model railroad to bring the beer to them.
In the Czech Republic, there's a bar in Prague that uses trains to deliver beer to customers; click here to see a video.
In 1993 Lionel made an Anheuser-Busch Budweiser Beer Promotional train
set. Meanwhile, there are people who collect HO scale beer cars. Click here to visit the HO Beer Car Collectors Website.
Finally, Chicago once boasted what may have been the only model train store
and bar: Zientek's Model Trains and Tavern.
The tavern is reportedly gone now
(the owner decided the cost of getting a license was getting to high), but
apparently the model train store still exists at 22001 W 18th St. According to
one reviewer, Zientek's is "like the living room and basement of a grandpa you
never had." And at one time, you could also get a cold one.
Of course, there are also the special beer trains, sponsored by American breweries.
If this isn't enough, there's even a song titled Beer Train by Uncle Leon and the Alibis. Opening
lines: "Beer Train! Coming around the bend. Can't you hear, all that beer, just
a-rollin' and a-rumblin' down the line?" You can listen to it here on
YouTube as Uncle Leon sings it on a New York City subway.
Finally, I thought I would create my own beer train. This being a Canadian model train blog, of course it would have to feature--what else?--a Canadian.
Nice selection of breweriana, John. Nothing better than a cold Sleeman aboard VIA heading home! Though VIA seems to have discontinued the Urban Mix, pretzels are still distributed in Business Class and are the perfect accompaniment for a Sleeman or Canadian!
ReplyDeleteEric
In October I am travelling to England. On one of our side trips my British host tells me that we will "Drive to Beer for some beer and crab sandwiches then on to Pecorama home of the beer light railway and Pecco museum." Sounds like a good day.
ReplyDeleteChris