Virtual Railfans wave from the Ashland Hanover Visitors Center
Attention all train lovers, near and far! The countdown to Ashland Train Day is officially on, and this year, the world is tuning in like never before. Virtual Railfan, the premier North American live train camera network, is the presenting sponsor of Ashland Train Day on April 26 from 11 AM to 4 PM, ensuring that railfans across the globe can experience the magic of the rails at the Center of the Universe. Whether you’re rolling into town in person or logging in from miles away, this is one celebration you won’t want to miss!
From Screen to Scene: Virtual Railfan Joins the Action
Matthew Dodd performs during Ashland Train Day at the Ashland Branch Library.
Virtual Railfan has long been a window to the world of trains, and Ashland’s picturesque downtown, with its bustling rail traffic, is one of its most popular views. With millions of monthly viewers, tens of thousands of newsletter subscribers, and a dedicated following on YouTube and social media, Virtual Railfan has put Ashland on the map as a must-see destination for train enthusiasts worldwide.
And this year,Virtual Railfan is stepping out of the digital realm and into the heart of the action! Stop by their booth at theAshland Branch Library to meet fellow railfans, while the Ashland Branch Library provides wooden model trains appropriate for tiny train tots, live storytelling and music by Matthew Dodd, your new favorite read from the Friends of the Library’s Children’s Book Sale. It’s the perfect stop for train lovers of all ages!
A Railfan’s Dream Destination
For some, Virtual Railfan is more than just a way to watch trains—it’s the reason they make the journey to Ashland itself. One devoted pair of railfans from Munich, Germany, travels to Ashland annually just for Train Day.
“Virtual Railfan is how we know about Ashland, Virginia. That’s why we revolve our whole trip to the United States around the Center of the Universe,” they shared. “The trains and the community in Ashland make us so happy to be here.”
And they’re not alone. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to Ashland to immerse themselves in a day full of train-themed fun, history, and community spirit. Whether you’re a lifelong rail enthusiast or just love the energy of a bustling trackside festival, Ashland Train Day delivers an unforgettable experience.
Mike Cyr,Virtual Railfan’s Co-Founder, captures the excitement best: “Ashland Train Day is a railfan’s dream! The trains, history, and community make it a must-visit event. Virtual Railfan has enjoyed attending the event and capturing the action over the years. We love connecting with fellow train lovers there, and we can’t wait to be back!”
Can’t Make It? Tune In!
Not able to catch the Amtrak train to Ashland Train Day? No problem! Thanks to Virtual Railfan, you can still join the fun from wherever you are. The event will be broadcast to Virtual Railfan’s 100,000+ Facebook followers, and through ScaleTrains’ channels, website, newsletter, and social media. Whether you're watching from across the country or halfway around the world, you can still be part of the excitement and witness the magic of Ashland Train Day in real-time.
So mark your calendars, pack your bags (or log into your favorite streaming device), and get ready for a train-tastic adventure! Ashland Train Day and Virtual Railfan are making sure that whether you ride the rails or watch from the screen, the spirit of the tracks reaches railfans everywhere.