AUSTIN, Texas - It's still unclear when The Zilker Eagle, the miniature train being restored in Zilker Park, is opening to the public after efforts stalled last year due to braking issues.
Train tracks in Zilker Park date back to 1961, a staple and a childhood memory for many.
"It was like super fun and would go through the little tunnel that was underground, and I always thought that, oh my gosh, we are going under people right now," said Emmerson Davidson, who rode the Zilker Zephyr when he was a child.
Davidson said she was five years old the last time she rode the train.
"I actually don't know why it's not here right now," she said.
The Zilker Eagle, formerly known as the Zilker Zephyr, has not run since May 2019 when it was closed due to erosion from a storm.
In 2021, the Austin Parks Foundation announced the purchase of a new miniature train, the Zilker Eagle, and installed new tracks.
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"That’s great a new generation of kids and parents riding it around having a good time, I’m about it," said Chuck Waring, who rode the Zilker Zephyr.
"I think it’s a great spot being that it is Zilker for the kids and everything, I definitely am supporting it coming back," said Ryan Tiras, who supports the return of the train.
The train was initially set to open to the public last year, but braking problems revealed through safety testing postponed the opening of the Eagle with Fall 2023 at the earliest, according to an October 2022 statement from Austin Parks Foundation.
The Zilker Eagle has since partnered with local engineers who "have the experience and expertise to deliver a safe, functioning train," according to the Eagle's X (formerly Twitter) account.
The train coaches were transported to an off-site facility to be retrofitted with airbrakes, as well as new electrical wiring for lights and a PA system.
Crews will begin making track adjustments later this month.
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Riders are ready to hit the tracks.
"It's great for any age because I think you should still deserve to have fun at any age," Davidson said.
"You might even find me on there, you know I’m 23 years old, but never too old to ride the train," Tiras said.
If all goes well, the new ZIlker Eagle train will enter the testing phase in late fall, with the train opening to the public shortly thereafter.
Mayor Pro Tem Paige Ellis, representing District 8, said, "I'm grateful for the Austin Parks Foundation's progress. The Zilker Eagle holds a lot of sentimental memories for people who grew up in Austin. I am eager to see families enjoying this iconic ride once again and for many new Austinites experience its charm for years to come."