Royal Palm Railway tourist trains to begin rolling in late summer

The Orlando & Northwestern Railway (O&NW) later this summer will begin running tourist trains along Florida Central Railroad tracks.

O&NW's services will be marketed under the "Royal Palm Railway Experience" brand. Initial offerings will include daytime entertainment between Tavares and Mt. Dora, Florida.

The news follows the completion of negotiations for a track-use agreement with Florida Central, as well as a lease of the Tavares Station, O&NW officials said in a press release.

In January, evening dinner trains and morning brunch trains are expected to begin rolling, with seasonal special events and other offerings to be announced in the coming weeks.

"Our fleet of air-conditioned equipment will allow our passengers to experience the very best of classic mid-century modern style as they enjoy our daytime local service, evening dinner trains, and seasonal specials," said O&NW spokesman Neil Bagaus.