Welcome to our Display Track project page! As this exciting capital project unfolds, we look forward to providing regular updates along the way.

display track

Thanks to an initial $50,000 donation from the Boone family—followed by an additional $20,000 contribution—the Austin Steam Train Association has fully secured the funding needed for the much-anticipated Display Track. This track is a vital part of our Capital Improvement Project and will serve as a permanent location for the historic Boonesborough and future Engine and Car Repair Facility.

The Boonesborough, a heavyweight Business Office Car built by Pullman Standard in 1929 for the Southern Railroad, was acquired by Arthur U. Boone, ASTA’s founder. Over the years, the car served as a private railcar, traveling extensively across the country behind Amtrak trains. It features a rear-end observation platform and lounge, two bedrooms, a dining room, and a kitchen, making it a truly unique piece of rail history.

The Display Track will be located next to the boarding platform on the east leg of the ASTA wye. We’re incredibly grateful for the Boone family’s generous contributions.

If you’d like to contribute to our capital projects, please contact Renee Maverick at fundraising@austinsteamtrain.org.

april 2025 Update

The Boone family has generously made a second donation of $20,000, fully securing the funding needed to complete the Display Track project, which we anticipate beginning this summer with the start of phase two; more updates will be shared as progress continues.

December 2024 Update

Construction of that permanent track started with the installation of the 90 lb. #8 left-hand switch on December 2nd by Al Friede and his Hafco Crew! Switch installation was completed on December 6th. Al and his crew will return in March (as they have construction commitments in Arizona and California in Q1) to build out the rest of the display track off of the switch up to the proposed edge of the Engine House. Once the track work is completed, the Boonesborough will be switched onto that track for permanent display. See the photos below!