The Trilby, San Antonio & Cypress Railroad, known as the Orange Belt Route, was a tourist line in Florida that utilized an ex-ACL line in the west central part of the state. The Orange Belt line was scenic, with rolling hills and a 2.5% grade that was once ACL's steepest grade in Florida. The line was 12 miles long from Trilby to San Antonio but trains only ran on 6 miles of it. The train pulled passengers on a 90-minute round- trip from San Antonio to Blanton on weekends and holidays, beginning on July 4, 1976. The primary power was Orange Belt No. 203, built in 1925 by Baldwin Locomotive Works for the Washington & Lincolnton, a shortline railroad that ran out of Lincolnton, Georgia. When No. 203 had mechanical problems, the railroad was able to lease ex-Reader 2-6-2 11, which became the main power for the line until it closed at San Antonio after the last trip ran on February 21, 1978. Both locomotives are seen here at the depot in San Antonio.
Displays of American pride, and spirit! Equipment painted Red, White, and Blue! With an honored salute and tribute to our veterans and troops added too! Patriots can still be found to join this gathering of Patriotic Pride!
