railroad preservation

[Anonymous]

Was just curious if any readers of this forum are involved in railroad preservation. I am involved in 3 different organizations that range from a static museum to a group that staffs occasional trips on a freight railroad to a full fledged, scheduled operating tourist line. Also would like to know what exactly railfans look for in any of these operations. We have discovered that most of our riders don't care what kind of loco pulls the train, they just came for the ride. Most of our feedback comes from nonrailfans so I would like to know what the railfan community looks for when they seek out preserved railroadiana.

[Anonymous]

Steam is always good but not nececary. A museum with locos and cars is a plus, and if there is a shop, tours are a big plus, but free is better than not, sothink about that, but the xpirence is a big part of why i go, and the love of trains, of course!

[trolleyboy]

I as my screenname would indicate am involved in an electric railway museum.We have found that the people like theior kids to have fun so it doesn't matter if it's steam diesel or in our case electric their all trains to kids. To that end school groups are a primary target for advertising, if museums can be educational then you seem to generate more traffic.Certainly in our case barn tours and workshop tours are musts we also do an operation lifesaver demonstration(video) for school groups. We set up interactive displays as well. Hands on is very important. Actually being able to touch and ride in history are important attractions for most families. Decent recreational areas (picnic grounds) and a desent gift/snack shop are also important.The whole package needs to be friendly and accessable and most importantly safe.Bottom line most if not all museums are vollenteer operated and are not for profits govt. grants are basically small to non existsant so the key is kids get the younger age groups hooked and you've got your vollenteers of the future. Rob