My city is interested in starting a railroad museum. The city just acquired the old Illinois Central passenger depot from some doctors who had a medical clinic in it. How do we start finding out about getting an engine and cars. The depot was built in the early 1900's. Kansas City Southern owns the railroad here now. As far as era, I think we would be shooting for 1910ish with some more modern pieces as extra. How about sites on the net?

Hi Ronnie;

Please don't get the first thing on wheels until you have a mission statement, collections plan and policies. Make it as precise and narrowly focused as possible. Then you will know what engine and cars you need to find as opposed to "an engine and some cars". Once you have defined the scope of the desired equipment collection, many people on this board will be happy to help you locate good pieces.

Defining a time frame and a specific railroad or geographic area are common ways of narrowing your focus and preventing the junkyard phenomon. You might wish to consult some publications from the Association of Railway Museums for some ideas.

Best of luck and welcome to a fascinating if frustrating business.

Dave

irondave@bellsouth.net

I agree with Dave. Make your depot resemble the era you are shooting for first. Then you'll have more time for the "collection". Establish a mission, then garner local suport (and input), then proceed. Oh, don't forget to apply for your 501-C-3 non-profit educational status.

wyld@oc-net.com

There are several other physical issues which will affect your ability to deliver on any mission statement. First I ask how much land and/or track comes with the station? Until you see a deed or property map, do not assume that the city actually controls much of the ground or trackage around the building. Railroads quite often sold only the building or a small imprint around it. We have also seen the opposite, with the station property actually controlling some trackage the railroad forget it still needed to use.

Once you are sure of your available space. You can better focus on what may be a realistic scope for a museum project.

Stone Consulting & Design
garyland@stoneconsulting.com

Well said all of you! Think about building an organization before a rail car collection.

But if you start down that road remember most older equipment has to be moved by truck or flat car and if a steam engine is involved there are things like asbestos and lead paint to think about.

The Northwestern Pacific Railroad Historical Society has been around and publishing for about 15 years; now they have taken on a Caboose restoration project; They have had a surge of new members and contributions.

Yes, railroad museums can and should own cars!

ted_miles@NPS.gov