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.