This may sound like the script to one of those spine-tingling and nerve-racking television thrillers. But an adventure like this could be a pseudo-reality for those brave enough to make the trek to St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway Co. in Jackson, Mo.

St. Louis Iron Mountain does not just cater to would-be detectives yearning for the shot at solving a mystery. It also has weekend train rides for people who simply enjoy two- to three-hour long rides on a rare and old-fashioned train.

The train that provides the rides and the setting for the Murder Mystery event is an attraction all its own because trains like it were used for transportation purposes decades ago.

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St. Louis Iron Mountain manager Jeff Hewes said just seeing the actual train is a good reason to come out.

The passenger cars date back to 1927, and the steam engine dates back to 1946, he said. The engine is one of the few coal-powered steam engines in the country. Many people have switched to diesel-powered steam engines.

The train not only maintains the look it had many years ago, but it keeps running the way it did when it was brand new. Hewes said every person’s job to keep the train running is also done in the same fashion as it always has been done.

We even have a fireman who actually shovels coal into the fire box in the steam engine, he said. We pay attention to detail.

Hewes said it is done this way to keep the use of steam engines going in the country.

This railroad is owned by steam train enthusiasts. They’re not out for a profit, he said. They want to keep the steam and the dream alive.

And Hewes said the people keeping the steam train running are not doing it to make a buck.

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It’s entirely run by volunteers, he said. If someone wants to come down to learn to be a fireman, we’ll teach them.

But Hewes said the majority of people who come to St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway Co. do not have a job running the train on their minds.

The Murder Mystery ride attracts the most people, he said. What happens is we leave (Jackson, Mo.) and you meet the characters during the dinner. Then after a break the plot unfolds all around you, and you get to partake in that.

Various prizes are awarded to the person who solves the mystery. Certain small clues are given throughout the ride to aid the mystery investigators.

As for any real help for the passengers in finding the killer, Hewes said, They have to figure that out for themselves.

Fares for the train rides are $12.50 for adults and $6 for children 12 years old and younger.

The fare for the Murder Mystery train rides are $37. The price includes dinner.

Trains depart at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. on Sundays.

Murder Mystery rides will depart at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Dec. 6. There also will be a New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

For Murder Mystery reservations, call 1-800-455-RAIL. For more information regarding St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway Co. call 573-243-1688.