Our Town Revisited: Clipper Express
MILTON, De. – Looking back at a story we first shared in April of 1999, Former WMDT anchor and reporter Kelley Rouse took us to Milton to ride, what was known as a staple in the community 25 years ago, the Clipper Express. Over 2 decades later that train is still chugging along, the Coverdale’s are still conducting, and the community is still enjoying those rides.
A Train for the Town
Milton, Delaware is known for many things, but one attraction that rises above them all is the Clipper Express. It arrived from Kent County in the early 90’s after a surplus sale and has been here ever since.
Mayor John Collier has fond memories of the express train, and says it sets this community apart from other areas in the State. “I’ve known it a long time since I was in high school, I grew up near where it was set up… It’s just an unusual thing, it’s an amusement park-style train, and you just don’t have that in public parks.”
Maintaining Mechanics
Due to the fact they want to maintain the train’s integrity, Mayor Collier says repairs can be a challenge. “It has a 26-horsepower Wisconsin engine in it. The engine is so old that it doesn’t have the standard points and plugs like that, it has a magneto. It used to be 6 volts, but about 10 years ago converted to a 12-volt system because 6-volt parts were just harder to find.”
Community Service
Back in 1999, the Train was used for community service events like the Balloon Festival, Bargains on the Broadkill or Transportation Day, and back then it only cost 25 cents to ride. Mayor Collier says despite how long it’s been around, and though it only cost the city $1, for the community, it’s priceless. “I can’t tell you what the value of that train would be today. They do not manufacture them anymore. They are becoming harder and harder to find. ”
The Lion’s Club
The Clipper Express was once deemed the smallest train in Delaware, and many say it still is. It was taken over by the Lion’s Club in the early 90’s and they’ve kept is maintained over the years. 76-year-old James Coverdale has been a member of the Lion’s Club for 30 plus years. “The price to ride the train has always been a quarter. And now, I don’t even think they charge a quarter. It’s free will donations but it’s never been over 25 cents to ride the train. ”
What’s New?
Minor upgrades like new light fixtures have been made, says Coverdale, but the essence has stayed the same. “The Clipper Express used to be a two- toned light blue like the state flag. Now, it is a red and gray pacific continental passenger train like it was back in the day, that this train was modeled after.”
Toddlers to Elders
Conductor Coverdale shows us how he operates the train every summer, and the joy it’s brought him over the years. He says they had everyone from babies to a woman who was 103 years old ride the train, and it never gets old. “I had kids. And anybody that’s a father or mother, that has children can come down here and put their kids on that train and watch their faces or their eyes light up that they got to ride a train, it’s worth all the money in the world.”
Family Fun
The Clipper Express opens the last week of May and goes through the first week of September, every Wednesday from 5:00- 7:00 the Lion’s Club will be providing rides. Be sure to bring your kids and stop by, and if you need more information, visit their website.
