From Flimsies:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent ... fd71d.html

Interesting read. The new museum is "projected" to get 250,000 visitors per year, up from 50,000 now that currently attend. The museum also currently has (according to reader comments at the bottom of the article) some kind of no-camera policy (?).

But whether or not the new museum/site can achieve what its plans call for, one of the pieces of equipment that has to be moved is a UP Big Boy. For those who yearn to see one under steam, this isn't it-but the expressed intent is for all of the equipment (except a Russian Decapod and a wood caboose) to move on its own wheels-so a chance to see a Big Boy move?

I read the comments at the bottom of the link and am amazed that this, or any railroad museum, bans cameras. Does anyone know of any such over-reaction to the copyright situation? What is the situation at other museums? Is there any hope we can suggest to these fine folks that they have gone overboard and are just hurting themselves by this policy, assuming it isn't just one person's rule and really exists? Is there also a ban on cell phones there, as many of these also have a camera built in?

I wouldn't worry much about the comments, even if true, it sounds more like the visitor was simply told something that likely wasn't true. I can see no reasoning behind it, if the museum stopped you from taking a photo of the Union Pacific Big Boy (in order to protect the UP's image), but you stopped at trackside on the way home and snapped to your heart's content as a current day UP train went by,, what would have been accomplished (except to likely offend/demoralize/turn away a repeat visitor) ?? And what is UP going to do,,, take the Big Boy away from them ?


Sounds to me like someone needs to truly identify the museum's policies and ensure that people with access to the public are saying the right things. I think we've all been victim to some well-intentioned, yet mis-guided information.

What interests me more is the story itself,, this is a massive undertaking, not only the move talked about, but the infrastructure they're talking about putting in.
Sounds really good, but is it truly economically feasible ?

They note 50,000 visitors a year (yet they also footnote that with a little truth in advertising that that number includes a goodly "Thomas" bump),, and they expect to
quintuple that number ? Anyone else thinking this is hugely over-optimistic ?

Not to quash anyone's hopes, dreams, plans, etc,,, but this almost sounds like the steam version of the recently ended Lake Shore Electric Museum in Cleveland idea....

Can only hope they fare better

I am not a spokesman for, nor am I speaking on behalf of this museum; but this subject was hashed out on the Railspot mailing list a few weeks ago.

The policy is that you can take pictures as much as you want, as long as they are for non-commercial use. Commercial photograph is allowed; but they charge a fee for doing so.

The Russian Decapod will not be moved on its own wheels because it's Russian gauge of five feet was reduced down to the standard guage by using wider tires. It is feared they will foul up self-protecting frogs. I can only assume that the wooden caboose is too fragile to move on it's own wheels.

There is also a preserved tower and a shed full of whistles, steam gauges, pumps, and a package boiler; have not heard yet whether they will make the move as well.

They also have a GG-1; so once again, a chance to see one move, though not on its own.

In regards to the move here in the Dallas/Frisco area, be advised that the move will be beneficial to the museum. The attendance number cited did include "Thomas" happening but that event is held in grapevine - a more than a few mile northwest of Dallas. The big attendance at the present museum site is largest during the annual State Fair of Texas each fall. The museum, on the Fair Grounds, is not in a real visible area and one must hunt for it if the location is not known. The move to Frisco has many advantages. The increase in exposure will come from the Frisco City Council and Parks Dept. of Frisco which has committed many bucks in an area adjacent to the BNSF line and is located just off the N. Dallas Tollway. The development of the site includes other historic buildings and new development to make the area an attraction to all of North Texas. The city has had tremendous growth and is blessed with many tax dollars to pay for the whole project.

In the past, there have been ideas in moving the RR. museum around to different parts of the Fair Grounds and, way back in 1980-81, I was approached on the idea of the City of Dallas' Parks Dept. to move the museum to a smaller lot next to the Union Station in downtown Dallas. I pointed out that the location was not large enough, had no free parking, and the move was not practical due to the size of the Big Boy and other locos tha could not get to the proposed site by rail. Also, that the Fair did supply all utilities and other benefits, none which would be available at the downtown location.

The moving of the steam shed and whistles is easy. The Depot and Switch tower were moved to the museum and can be moved again.

I am not a member of the museum but have been in the past.I do support the museum.
I would suggest if you have any questions about the move, you contact Mr. Bob LaPrell at www.dallasrailwaymuseum.com.
Harry Nicholls

This last spring I had a chance to visit the "Museum of the American Railroad" and see the new site during the Spring ARM meeting.

It appears that the relocation of the Museum is being supported by the City of Frisco. This community has its origins as a water stop on the St. Louis-San Francisco a little over 100 years ago; it was incorporated about 40 years ago; and got caught up in the urban sprawl from Dallas about 10-15 years ago. Much of the community is new development and the town fathers, etc. are making a point of telling the long-time history to all the new comers.

The city has developed a history museum and adjacent relocated buildings. All of the school children make appropriate visits to the museum to learn the history of the area and become part of it. Interesting enough, the daily staffing of the museum is an adjunct to the city library and is done by librarians. The city has also hired an experienced museum professional to oversee the development of the museum -- this happens to be long-time executive director of the railroad Museum.

The new railroad Museum site will be only a couple of blocks away from the local history museum and at one end of a combined urban/commercial development area.

For more information about the Museum see its website.
And then look at its press releases
And a PDF publication From Dallas to Frisco: A Change in Direction -- Fulfilling Our Mission.

I wish them well.