MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee County Zoo announced an event to celebrate their newest train, Engine No. 2025 -- a 15” Tier 4 diesel hydraulic locomotive. 

Saturday, Sept. 13 the zoo will host Trains & Tracks, an event featuring activities from 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. and an inaugural ride of Engine No. 2025 at 10 a.m. 

The first riders of the North Shore Bank Safari Train will receive a special first-ride commemorative button, complimentary cookie from the dining car and a polaroid picture taken in the train car before departing the station.

More on what to expect: 

• Conductor hats- All riders throughout the event will receive a conductor hat
• Engine button- The first 500 riders will receive an Engine No. 2025 button
• Photo station- Pose with a giant ‘Inaugural Ride’ ticket•Train crossing trivia- Follow the “tracks” to get to the train crossings and answer a trivia question at each. For one correct answer you will be entered to win a ride in Engine No. 2025
• Train car coloring sheet- Draw yourself in the train coach and add it to the engine
• Train Shop open house- Between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. visit the Zoo’s train shop to see where the engines are maintained.

Engine No. 2025, according to the zoo, is designed to reduce criteria pollutant emissions by 70% and meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s cleanest diesel emission standards.

This marks the first locomotive for the zoo built outside of Wisconsin ride inside. The cab features dash-mounted air conditioning, a camera system, digital engine readouts and controls for the air bell, horn and sanders.

It was built by Swanee River Railroad Company in Lufkin, Texas and measures 20-feet long and 45” wide.

Learn more HERE. 

Engine No. 2025 Milwaukee County Zoo