COVID-19 pandemic (2019-21)

Shepherd's Railroad Depot Museum Looks Forward To Different Projects

Different restoration and refurbishment projects are planned for Shepherd's Railroad Depot Museum.

The museum is located on West Wright Avenue and is open during the Maple Syrup Festival as well as other special times during the year. It features a wide variety of antique train memorialbilia as well as railroad cars that attendees can views.

Some restoration work has been done to the railroad cars. This includes the Ann Arbor Railroad caboose and, recently, a box car which were both done by Jeff Conner. Conner provides restoration services for railroad museums, military museums, artifacts, and signage among other things.

A recently restored boxcar as a part of Shepherd's Railroad Depot Museum. Photo provided by the Village of Shepherd Facebook page.

"The Caboose has been restored and now the box car has been completed through donations and fundraisers, in which the Committee is so thankful for," Gina Gross, a representative with the Village of Shepherd said. "We received a donation from a local business owner towards the painting of the box car and the Depot Committee paid the other 2/3 of the cost from the money we receive from our annual fundraiser held the first Saturday of February (The Depot Auction)."

Shepherd's Railroad Depot Museum has more restoration plans, as long as they get the proper funding for the projects.

"We are looking to move forward with the engine hopefully next year that is currently at $12,000," Gross said. "We also have numerous updates to do to the Depot Museum itself such as windows, foundation repairs and general upkeep. There are still more sidewalks to be done and exterior beautification annually."

Some of these projects are still in the research stages though some projects may need to be let go in order to further focus on other museum needs.

"The mail car is in limbo," Gross said. "There has been discussion on selling the mail car as it will require more repairs than what the committee can tolerate with the museum building needing so much work."

Plans for further fundraising are currently in the works.

"We are hoping to have a fundraiser at the Depot some time in the fall that would include a meal and possibly an outdoor movie," Gross said.

For more information, visit shepherdareahistoricalsociety.Org, villageofshepherd.Org, or the Village of Shepherd Facebook page.

Sarah Wright is a Central Michigan University graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and started working with The Morning Sun in 2019 as a reporter covering local news.

'World's Largest Model Railroad Museum' Opens In Gulfport

GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) - The doors opened to a large crowd Friday morning for the grand opening of the Traintastic Interactive Model Railroad Museum in Gulfport.

"Sometimes, you know, things like model railroading or any other hobby, you get pretty passionate about, wouldn't you say," Traintastic President Glenn Mueller asked during a speech.

Mueller's own passion for miniature trains and the drive behind his entire team led to this 40,000-square-foot expansion and what they're now calling the largest model railroad museum in the world.

"It's an economic development project, really, with an educational focus and a fun focus," said Adele Lyons, CEO of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce.

The new facility features over 20 layouts, interactive exhibits, STEM demonstrations, classrooms and party rooms, a playground, real train rides outside and more.

"I've been coming to the train place since I was four years old, and that's what got me into trains and Legos," Reilly Leffler from Hattiesburg said.

Leffler traveled to Gulfport to be among the first visitors through the door.

"It's very amazing," he said as he pointed behind him. "That train right there, I actually built as a set before."

State funding and two generous community members helped finance the project that ultimately cost $7-$10 million.

"When I was a kid, to get a train set under the Christmas tree was just wonderful. And, so, I think this is going to spark a lot of renewed interest in model trains," Congressman Mike Ezell said.

Traintastic is now open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.M. To 5 p.M. And Sunday from 1 p.M. To 5 p.M.

Tickets are $15 dollars for adults, $12 for children and discounted rates for military and seniors.

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Railway Coastal Museum Celebrates 20th Anniversary

The Railway Coastal Museum is celebrating 20 years of displaying the history of Newfoundland and Labrador on the tracks.

The museum, located inside the former station on Water Street in St. John's, was first built in the early 20th century by the Reid family, who ran the line before Canadian National Railways. The museum was established in 2003.

The historic building almost closed its doors in 2020, but was saved due to a dedicated group of supporters.

Residents rally against the closure of the Railway Coastal Museum. December 2020.

Museum Chair Ron Penney is pleased the museum is still going after all these years.

Penney says it not only commemorates the railway, but also the history of the Newfoundland Coastal Service.

(Photo courtesy Railway Coastal Museum.)

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