Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston, Connecticut

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Thomaston, Connecticut · Updated October 19, 2026 · 13 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesStation open Fridays 10 am to 2 pm and Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm; excursions on a seasonal calendar

Founded in January 1968 as the Connecticut Valley Railroad Association, the Railroad Museum of New England tells the region's railroad story from historic Thomaston Station, through its exhibits and through the trains it runs on its own Naugatuck Railroad.

  • Founded in January 1968
  • More than 500 members
  • Based at historic Thomaston Station
  • Operates the Naugatuck Railroad
  • Steam, diesel and Pullman equipment
  • Christmas trains sell out early

Railroad Museum of New England at a glance

Hours
Fridays 10 am to 2 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm; excursions by calendar
Admission
Priced by excursion; Naugatuck River Scenic Train coach $20 adults, $15 children
Train rides
Naugatuck Railroad excursions from Thomaston Station, seasonal; see the excursion calendar
Seasonal events
Naugatuck River Scenic Train, Pumpkin Patch Express, The Last Stop: A Haunted Train Experience, Tequila Train, Christmas trains, Autumn Colors Limited
Plan for
About 2 hours with an excursion
Best for
Families who want a real train ride and New England rail fans
Best ages
Ages 3 and up for regular excursions
Accessibility
Due to the historic nature of the equipment, the trains are not handicapped accessible.

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Railroad Museum of New England? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Thomaston.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

From a 1968 rail club to the owner of a working railroad

The Railroad Museum of New England began in January 1968 as the Connecticut Valley Railroad Association, a group of people who wanted to keep the railroads of their region from fading out of memory. Over more than five decades it grew into a not-for-profit educational and historical organization with more than 500 members, and it took on a name that matches its reach: the whole of New England, not just one valley.

What sets RMNE apart from many museums is that it does not only display trains, it runs a railroad. Through its operating subsidiary, the Naugatuck Railroad, the museum operates excursion and freight trains on the Torrington Secondary between Waterville and Torrington, on track leased from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Its home is Thomaston Station on East Main Street, a historic landmark of the upper Naugatuck Valley that sits beside the Plume and Atwood plant, on a line whose railroad roots go back to 1849.

All of this is done by volunteers. They restore and maintain the locomotives and cars, staff the station and the gift shop, and crew the trains, while donations help with the operating costs that never go away, such as fuel and parts. The museum's own description is simple: its volunteers are what make it great.

A New England collection, car by car

Together with the Naugatuck Railroad, the museum owns one of the most historically significant and varied collections of railroad equipment in the northeastern United States. There are two steam locomotives, Sumter and Choctaw 2-6-2 103 and Canadian Pacific 4-6-2 1246, and a long line of diesels from ALCO, EMD and GE that once worked for the New Haven, Boston and Maine, Maine Central, Providence and Worcester, Amtrak and Metro-North.

Beyond the locomotives you will find cabooses from five railroads, a Maine Central snowplow, a Portland Terminal crane, and a deep roster of passenger cars, from New Haven coaches, a diner and baggage cars to three named Pullmans: the sleeper Breslin Tower, the solarium lounge Mt. Royal and the buffet parlor lounge Stag Hound. Freight fans can study wood and steel boxcars, milk cars, tank cars, gondolas and a refrigerator car. Visits center on Thomaston Station and its exhibits, and the best way to see the collection in action is aboard one of the excursion trains.

Don’t miss

  1. Canadian Pacific 1246A 4-6-2 Pacific type steam locomotive, one of two steam engines in the museum's collection.
  2. New Haven FL9 2019The FL9 was built to run on both diesel and electric power into New York, and this one wears New Haven heritage. A Metro-North FL9, 2033, is in the collection too.
  3. New Haven FA1 0401An ALCO cab unit from the New Haven, the kind of streamlined diesel that pulled New England freight and passenger trains after steam.
  4. The Pullman carsBreslin Tower, Mt. Royal and Stag Hound show how sleeping, lounge and parlor travel looked in the age of long-distance trains.
  5. Maine Central Snowplow 70A reminder of the winters New England railroads had to dig through every year.

Pumpkins, Santa and a chocolate stop

For families, the trains are the draw. In summer the Naugatuck River Scenic Train makes a 20-mile round trip along the river with a stop at Fascia's Chocolate Factory, which tends to win over young riders. In October the Pumpkin Patch Express runs on select weekends, and the Christmas trains in late fall and December are the museum's busiest of the year.

Some evening events, such as The Last Stop haunted train and the Tequila Train, are meant for older guests, so check age rules before booking. Because of the age of the equipment, the trains are not handicapped accessible, and little ones will need help with the steps into the cars.

Plan your visit: tips for Railroad Museum of New England

  • Buy Christmas train tickets early; the museum warns those trains sell out.
  • Groups can rent a whole car on Christmas trains, from the 16-seat Lower Lounge to an 82-seat coach.
  • Excursion tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable for many events.
  • Members get 10% off in the gift shop and the Order Board newsletter.

The museum's calendar fills up in fall. Pumpkin Patch Express trains run on select October weekends, and The Last Stop, a haunted night train to Torrington for ages 13 and up, ran on October 9 in 2026. Christmas tickets go on sale in the fall, and the museum warns they sell out, with whole lounge cars and coaches available for groups. For more seasonal ideas, see our lists of Halloween train rides in Connecticut and Connecticut Christmas train rides.

Volunteers who crew the trains

RMNE is a not-for-profit run on volunteer labor, and it welcomes anyone interested in helping preserve the region's railroad heritage, whether in the shops, at the station or on the trains. Members receive the Order Board newsletter and discounts, and donations go toward operating costs like fuel and parts. Gift cards and the online store are other easy ways to help.

Pair Thomaston with another rail stop

The museum's trains run as the Naugatuck Railroad, so a ride is part of the same visit. The Danbury Railway Museum is about 27 miles southwest, and the Shore Line Trolley Museum is about 30 miles southeast. See all of Connecticut's train museums for more.

Every train museum in Connecticut

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of Rally the corgi dreaming about his toy turtle, green bone and yellow ball
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

Reading the museum's roster, I noticed it keeps several old baggage cars, the kind that once held everyone's trunks and cases. In our book, Rally does his own packing before the trip: his turtle toy, his green bone and his yellow ball, the three things a corgi cannot travel without. My mom dreamed up this story, and I like to think she would have packed the same way. You can read how her story became a book on our story page.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Railroad Museum of New England?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Railroad Museum of New England: 20 visitor questions

Where is the Railroad Museum of New England?

The Railroad Museum of New England is based at Thomaston Station, 242 East Main Street, Thomaston, Connecticut 06787, next to the Plume and Atwood facility in the upper Naugatuck Valley. Excursion trains on the museum's Naugatuck Railroad board at the station. For directions or ticket help, call (860) 283-7245 or email info@rmne.org.

What are the Railroad Museum of New England hours?

As of October 2026, the museum's home page lists it as open Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm. Train excursions run on their own schedule, which is posted on the excursion calendar at rmne.org. Hours can change with the season, so check the site or call before you go.

How do I buy Railroad Museum of New England tickets?

Tickets are sold online through the excursion calendar at rmne.org, where each train lists its prices and seat types. As of October 2026, a coach seat on the Naugatuck River Scenic Train is $20 for adults and $15 for children, with premium coach and Governor's Lounge seats costing more. For help, call (860) 283-7245.

Does the Railroad Museum of New England run a Christmas train?

Yes. Christmas train tickets go on sale in the fall, and the museum warns that trains sell out, so book early. Groups can reserve an entire car, such as the 40-seat Sky Lounge, the 32-seat Santa's Lounge, the 58-seat Naugatuck Lounge or an 82-seat coach. Check rmne.org for this season's dates and fares.

Is there a Santa Express at the Railroad Museum of New England?

The museum's Christmas trains are its Santa season excursions, and one of the cars is even called Santa's Lounge. The names, dates and fares of each year's holiday trains are posted when Christmas tickets go on sale at rmne.org. Because these trains sell out, buy as soon as your dates are set.

What is the Northern Lights train at the Railroad Museum of New England?

Many people search for a Northern Lights train in connection with the museum's holiday season. The museum lists its holiday excursions together under Christmas tickets at rmne.org, with each train's name, schedule and car options. Check that page or call (860) 283-7245 to confirm which holiday trains are running this year.

What is the Railroad Museum of New England, or RMNE?

RMNE is a not-for-profit educational and historical organization that tells the story of New England's railroads through exhibits and by running trains on the Naugatuck Railroad. It was founded in January 1968 as the Connecticut Valley Railroad Association and now has more than 500 members. Volunteers do the work of running it.

Is the Railroad Museum of New England the same as the Naugatuck Railroad?

They are closely linked. The Naugatuck Railroad is the museum's operating subsidiary, which runs excursion and freight trains on the Torrington Secondary between Waterville and Torrington. Together they own the collection, and you buy Naugatuck Railroad tickets through the museum at rmne.org. Both share Thomaston Station as home.

What trains are in the Railroad Museum of New England collection?

The collection includes two steam locomotives, Sumter and Choctaw 103 and Canadian Pacific 1246, plus diesels such as New Haven FA1 0401, New Haven FL9 2019 and New Haven U25B 2525. There are cabooses, a snowplow, a crane, many New Haven coaches, three Pullman cars and a large group of boxcars, tank cars and gondolas.

Where is parking for the Railroad Museum of New England?

The museum does not post detailed parking instructions on its main visitor pages. Excursions leave from Thomaston Station at 242 East Main Street, so plan to arrive early on busy event days like Christmas and Pumpkin Patch trains. Call (860) 283-7245 or email info@rmne.org to ask where to park for your train.

Does the Railroad Museum of New England have a Pumpkin Patch train?

Yes. The Pumpkin Patch Express is a fall tradition that runs on select weekends in October. Tickets are sold online by date and time through the excursion calendar at rmne.org. Fall is a busy season on the line, so buy ahead, especially for weekends with good foliage.

What is The Last Stop haunted train?

The Last Stop is a Halloween night train for adults and kids over 13. It leaves Thomaston Station with costumed characters aboard and runs to The Warehouse at Market Street Creatives in Torrington for a night market and live magic show. As of October 2026, the 2026 trip on October 9 was $75 per person, about four hours, limited to 150 guests.

Are there adults-only trains at the Railroad Museum of New England?

Yes, a few. The Tequila Train, which departed October 23 in 2026, is a 21-and-over event, and the museum has also run tasting trips such as the Chocolate Decadence Tour. Age rules and prices are posted with each event on rmne.org, so check the listing before buying.

Is the Railroad Museum of New England wheelchair accessible?

The museum says that because of the historic nature of its equipment, the trains are not handicapped accessible. Riders need to manage steps to board the cars. If someone in your group has mobility needs, call (860) 283-7245 before buying tickets to ask what the station and train crews can offer.

Is the Railroad Museum of New England good for kids?

Yes, especially on the family trains. The Naugatuck River Scenic Train lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes and stops at Fascia's Chocolate Factory, and the Pumpkin Patch Express and Christmas trains are built around families. Some evening events are for older guests only, so check the age rules for each trip.

Can you rent a whole car on a Railroad Museum of New England train?

Yes, for the Christmas trains. Groups can reserve an entire car: the Lower Lounge seats 16, Santa's Lounge 32, Premium Coach 30, Hi Level Coach 38, Sky Lounge 40, Naugatuck Lounge 58 and a full coach 82. A car is only available if no individual seats on that train have sold, so book early.

How do I become a member of the Railroad Museum of New England?

Join through the membership link at rmne.org. Members receive the museum's Order Board newsletter, a 10% gift shop discount, 10% off certain Naugatuck Railroad experiences and other benefits. Membership dues help a volunteer-run museum pay for fuel, parts and restoration work.

Can I volunteer at the Railroad Museum of New England?

Yes. The museum welcomes anyone interested in helping preserve the region's railroad heritage, and it relies on volunteers for its labor, from restoration and maintenance to station work and train crews. Use the volunteer sign-up on rmne.org, or email info@rmne.org to ask which crews need help.

What else is there to do near the Railroad Museum of New England?

The museum suggests the Thomaston Opera House, the Seth Thomas Bradstreet House, the Landmark Theater and local spots like Black Rock Tavern and Clocktown Brewing Company. In Torrington, it points visitors to the Warner Theater and the KidsPlay Children's Museum. Hotels it lists are in Litchfield, Waterbury and Bristol.

What other train museums are near the Railroad Museum of New England?

The Danbury Railway Museum is about 27 miles away, and the Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven and the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor are both about 30 miles away. The New England Civil War Museum in Rockville is about 35 miles, and the Essex Steam Train is about 41 miles.

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Kelsey Cecil
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