Highlights of 2017

It's time once again to pat ourselves on the back as we review the accomplishments of the past year.   As always, additions and corrections are welcome!    ♪ Should auld acquaintance....  ♫ 

• The parking lot has been expanded southward, and
• The main Museum entrance has been moved, and
• The Schroeder Store on Main Street now houses the gift shop and ticket sales.   These three changes are a giant step forward in making our Main Street scene a reality.
• Our CA&E cars appeared in a big-budget movie production for a film called The Letter.  You have probably never seen real interurban cars in a movie before.  When it appears, we'll let you know.
• Acquisitions: the ignitron rectifier locomotive and two Milwaukee Road streamlined coaches.
• Charles City Western 300 entered revenue service.
• As usual, operations proceeded smoothly and safely during the year, thanks to our operating department.
• The Steam Team have kept the 1630 operational, made progress on the Shay and 428, and completed a cosmetic restoration of the Rock Island Pacific.
• Several cars were repainted, including the IC streamlined grill-coach and the B&O wagontop boxcar.

• And last but by no means least, Museum attendance was up significantly this year.  General admissions increased by 30% and Happy Holiday Railway admissions nearly doubled, up by 75%.  That's good news!