Austin Steam Train Association


The Austin Steam Train Association, also known as the Austin & Texas Central Railroad or ASTA, is a heritage railroad based in Cedar Park, Texas, that operates passenger excursion trains over ex-Southern Pacific tracks between Cedar Park and Burnet. The railroad offers coach and first class service and special seasonal trips. In addition to 100 volunteers, ASTA employs seven full time staff members.

History

In 1956, the Southern Pacific Railroad donated 2-8-2 "Mikado" steam locomotive #786 to the City of Austin. It was displayed at a vacant lot behind the Central Fire Station between 4th and 5th Streets downtown.
In 1989, a group of railroad preservationists officially founded the Austin Steam Train Association to restore #786 to operation. Excursions officially began in 1992.
In 1993, ASTA moved into its rail yard in Cedar Park, Texas.
After #786 was sidelined for repairs in 1999, ASTA purchased a diesel locomotive to haul excursions, ALCO RSD-15 #442. #442 was the main power for ASTA excursions until it went down for repairs in 2016.
In 2017, ASTA leased a rebuilt EMD GP40-3, HZRX #3134. In 2025, they purchased #3134 and renumbered it back to #3118.
As of November 2025, the restorations of #786 and #442 are ongoing.

Trackage

The Austin Steam Train Association operates excursions over a portion of the ex-Southern Pacific Llano Branch owned by CapMetro. The Bertram Flyer runs between Cedar Park and Bertram, while the Hill Country Flyer runs between Cedar Park and Burnet. The Capital City Flyer previously operated between Cedar Park and Downtown Station in Austin, but it has not run since the mid-2010s. ASTA excursions share trackage with CapMetro Rail commuter service and Austin Western freight trains.

Equipment

Steam locomotive

Diesel locomotives

Passenger cars

Source:

Freight cars

Caboose