Get Essex Steam Train Donation Request

To minimize blur, try shooting in shutter priority mode — have your settings reflect a quick speed (try 1/100 or 1/125 to start). For this scenario, it may be helpful to set up a tripod so that you can quickly and continuously take shots as the train rounds the bend.

Each trip lasts around 90 minutes, per the train's website.

Use your camera's AI Servo function to achieve sharp shots Using this mode means the camera and lens track the focus to the moving engine. I normally aim to focus about 1/3 down the side of the train for a 3/4 shot to give acceptable depth of field at an aperture of around f/8.

You are welcome to photograph our trains from safe and publicly accessible locations such as our stations and public crossings. We do not allow walking on or along the tracks to remote locations for photography purposes.

To minimize blur, try shooting in shutter priority mode — have your settings reflect a quick speed (try 1/100 or 1/125 to start). For this scenario, it may be helpful to set up a tripod so that you can quickly and continuously take shots as the train rounds the bend.

The Valley Railroad, operating under the name Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, is a heritage railroad based in Connecticut on tracks of the Connecticut Valley Railroad, which was founded in 1868.

Each trip lasts around 90 minutes, per the train's website.

How long are the excursions? The Steam Train excursion is 1 hour round-trip; the Steam Train & Riverboat combination excursion is 2.5-hour round trip.

About the Train Essex Steam Train & Riverboat's 2 1/2-hour train and riverboat or 1 hour train only journeys begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station for a 12-mile, narrated round-trip into the heart of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley.

I tend to use either the Single focus point or the AF Expansion focus point to put on the front of the steam loco. If you use a different focus point it might focus on something else rather than the train. The lens I use the most for railway photography is the Canon 24-105mm.

Use your camera's AI Servo function to achieve sharp shots Using this mode means the camera and lens track the focus to the moving engine. I normally aim to focus about 1/3 down the side of the train for a 3/4 shot to give acceptable depth of field at an aperture of around f/8.

Also, the train doesn't turn around, instead they bring the engine to the front, so you see the same places both ways. The boat ride was much more fun. They have an on board bar where you can buy food and beverages - including beer. You can also bring your own food, but they request you don't eat on the train.

You are welcome to photograph our trains from safe and publicly accessible locations such as our stations and public crossings. We do not allow walking on or along the tracks to remote locations for photography purposes.

About the Train Essex Steam Train & Riverboat's 2 1/2-hour train and riverboat or 1 hour train only journeys begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station for a 12-mile, narrated round-trip into the heart of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley.

The Valley Railroad, operating under the name Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, is a heritage railroad based in Connecticut on tracks of the Connecticut Valley Railroad, which was founded in 1868.

The Essex Clipper Dinner Train Relax and reconnect while our 2 -21/2-hour scenic journey soothes away the stress of everyday life. The rhythm of the rails and our attentive staff transport you back to the day when rail travel was king and “dinner and the diner” was a delicious special occasion.

How long are the excursions? The Steam Train excursion is 1 hour round-trip; the Steam Train & Riverboat combination excursion is 2.5-hour round trip.

About the Train Essex Steam Train & Riverboat's 2 1/2-hour train and riverboat or 1 hour train only journeys begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station for a 12-mile, narrated round-trip into the heart of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley.

I tend to use either the Single focus point or the AF Expansion focus point to put on the front of the steam loco. If you use a different focus point it might focus on something else rather than the train. The lens I use the most for railway photography is the Canon 24-105mm.

Also, the train doesn't turn around, instead they bring the engine to the front, so you see the same places both ways. The boat ride was much more fun. They have an on board bar where you can buy food and beverages - including beer. You can also bring your own food, but they request you don't eat on the train.

About the Train Essex Steam Train & Riverboat's 2 1/2-hour train and riverboat or 1 hour train only journeys begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station for a 12-mile, narrated round-trip into the heart of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley.

The Essex Clipper Dinner Train Relax and reconnect while our 2 -21/2-hour scenic journey soothes away the stress of everyday life. The rhythm of the rails and our attentive staff transport you back to the day when rail travel was king and “dinner and the diner” was a delicious special occasion.