WHO IS ZWSR?
The Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad is a 501(c)3 organization. The organization's roots go back to the mid 1980's when a group of enthusiasts started the Buckeye Central Scenic Railroad just outside of Hebron, Ohio. The original organization fell on hard times in 2003 as they tried to move their operations to Byesville, Ohio. Byesville soon had their own equipment and Buckeye Central returned to Hebron, Ohio only to have the line they leased for 25 years to be removed and sent to a scrap yard. Enthusiasm waned, members left, and the organization was left with only 5 volunteers in late 2007. Bass Run Rail Riders, a speeder group, and Buckeye Central Scenic Railroad began working together in October 2007. On January 9, 2008, the Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad was born.
MISSION STATEMENT: The Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad provides a tourist destination in Southeast Ohio, offering passenger train excursions and motorcar operations on an exceptionally scenic and historic rail line known as the Glass Rock Line.
VISION STATEMENT: The Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad will offer passenger train excursions and provide a location for motorcar operations on the Glass Rock Line between S.R. 93 and S.R. 668. Passenger train excursions will utilize fully restored equipment and locomotives. Excursions of different lengths and durations will be offered, traveling to several destinations based on passenger preferences. Theme weekends and dinner train excursions will be offered to attract additional patrons. Paid positions critical to the successful operation of the railroad will be established to augment a successful core of volunteers.
ZWSR began making repairs and contacts to move their operations to a scenic line near where Licking, Muskingum, and Perry Counties meet. The line, known as the Glass Rock Line, is 12 miles long, has 8 grade crossings, goes though 2 small towns, crosses 12 bridges (including 2 major streams), and goes through 3 deep cuts, each about 50' deep and 200' long. The base of operations is in Fultonham, Ohio. This base of operations is within 60 miles of Columbus, Ohio and within 25 miles of the Newark, Zanesville, and Lancaster communities
WHO IS ZWSR AFFILIATED WITH?
ZWSR leases track from the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) and provides the benefit of saving a rail line that can be used in the future for freight operations.
ZWSR's track connects with the Ohio Central Railroad.
ZWSR is a member of the Ohio Rail Tourism Association (ORTA), National Association of Rail Car Operators Association (NARCOA), and local community groups.
There are many ways you can help us, even if you are not local or don't want to get involved on a regular basis. Business can sponsor cars, newsletters, or the parts of the organization itself. Individuals can give donations, become members, participate in work weekends, and become involved in the weekend operations of the scenic railroad. Click on the appropriate link on the left to find out more!