Arkansas Railroad Club members had a chance to ride the River Rail Trolley around the entire 2.5 mile system on Wednesday, October 20, 2004. We rode the whole system, starting at the carbarn in North Little Rock, then through North Little Rock, across the Arkansas River through parts of Little Rock, then back. This was a half-day-notice ride and thanks to John C. Jones for arranging it. I made lots of calls and sent out lots of emails during the afternoon to advise of this opportunity.  The River Rail system will open to the public with an official dedication on November 1, 2004 at the Alltel Arena stop in North Little Rock.

We started the ride at 6 p.m. and it was cloudy, so photos will be rather dark.




Here's our group at the trolley carbarn in North Little Rock before leaving.


Some of the group onboard.


From the streetcar heading south across the Arkansas River Main Street bridge about 610 p.m.


Looking east out the window. The bridge is the now-defunct Missouri Pacific/UP Junction Bridge. The cities own it.


Cresting the Main Street Bridge (8 percent grade to the center), viewing the Little Rock skyline out the front windows.


Eastbound on President Clinton Avenue (East Markham) in the River Market, Little Rock. Notice how close the cars are parked to the tracks.




Closeup of the ceiling of streetcar 410.


Back at the trolley barn. The trip took about 40 minutes.