It was interesting to read the "readers' comments" below the article. One commented on the problem of adding "another lackluster museum" and referred to a sports museum in the same area. The same writer also advised against opening the RR museum until it has properly trained guides and interactive features.
Then there was the reader who thought it should be called the Portsmouth Railroad Museum, saying that if you're not proud of your town, move. The only problem with that is that there are several "Portsmouths" in the US, including my wife's hometown of Portsmouth NH.
Finally, there was a recommendation that the new museum host Day Out With Thomas, an event that does draw big crowds, but takes months of preparation and requires large numbers of volunteers to make it happen.

I for one am glad this museum exists. If it weren't for their funding via the purchase of 1134, it is very probable that the "Lost Engines of Roanoke" would be razor blades. As for the "Thomas" idea, two problems. They have no track to operate on nor any operational equipment

There's other things they can do short of a full-blown DOWT. Have a truncated version of one of Jason's Trainfests. Get a temporary live steam track and trains, tents for vendors and various model railroad club modular layouts, and make a long weekend of it. Since they are shooting for opening in the Spring, Memorial Day weekend would be a perfect time for it - a nice big splash grand opening. Start now and they should have enough time to pull it off if they don't get too complicated.