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Being in the business of producing railroad videos, I pay attention to what is going on in the community. By community, I mean railroad museums and attractions, groups working to save and restore locomotives, cars and other railroad equipment, specific railroad interest groups like the Great Northern, Soo Line, Milwaukee Road historical societies, etc.

The Friends of the 261 has been in the news frequently as they work to bring back this beauty for another 15 year run. They were able to purchase the locomotive from the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay recently, but were forced to spend the money they were intending to use for restoration to buy it instead. They’ve been working hard to raise more money for the work, which is 

261 thunders west on CP's River Sub on one of many annual Fall Color Trips

never easy. Hopefully they will succeed and we will once again be able to ride behind 261 in the not too distant future.

Other famous locomotives, such as Pere Marquette 1225 also face an uncertain future. Another is Soo Line 1003 with a boiler whose time is up in 2011, and the folks in charge aren’t sure what the future holds for this engine.

GN Wooden Boxcar 5124 is outdoors but under cover, Lake Superior Railroad Museum, Duluth, MN

Add to these the countless steam and diesel locomotives which are in various stages of life; rusting away, in pieces, intact but no money for preservation, recently restored, or operational. Then there are streetcars, interurbans, passenger and freight cars, depots, roundhouses, and other structures. Not to mention historical documents, photo and map collections, engineering drawings, and other memorabilia worth preserving.

The good news is there are many people who have a passion for making things happen. They want to raise money to protect, preserve, and operate or display these objects. Many individuals and groups are donating not only money, but their time and talent to these causes.

We owe these folks our admiration and gratitude for what they are accomplishing. But do you know what? They can’t do it without more help.

Can you devote a few hours now and then to your local railroad museum or history society? They can always use an extra hand to repair a piece of equipment, digitize some documents, operate a locomotive, sell tickets, replace a tie….the list goes on. Stop by. Get to know them. Chances are you have a lot in common and you will enjoy working with them.

On a larger scale, consider writing an article, or serving on a committee of one of the many railroad historical societies. Many concentrate on just one fallen flag railroad, such as the Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Society or on contemporary railroads such as the Union Pacific Historical Society. Most of these organizations publish fine magazines as part of the membership package and have really interesting annual conventions. But they need authors and people to help organize the activities. As an individual you can help, often from your own home via the internet with many of the tasks.

How about money? If you’re one of those lucky people who still gets a paycheck, or maybe you have retired with some monetary cushion, how about some regular donations to one or more of your favorite railroad organizations? Without money, even the most ambitious group of volunteers will not be successful in preserving our railroad history for future generations. Also, while you’re still of sound mind and body, consider adding some of these organizations to your will.

Let’s not forget about the future. Many of us grew up when steam engines and early diesels were common, or remember taking a ride on an interurban or streetcar. There was still a person working in that now boarded up railroad station. Generations that followed did not get the same exposure to railroading as some of us. Thanks to the likes of Thomas & Friends, YouTube, and efforts by our museum community to give children and families activities around operating rail equipment, many young people are now joining the railfan community.

You can help here too. Maybe you have nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or neighbor children. How about organizing a visit to your local rail or trolley museum, or a railroad gift such as a DVD, book, magazine subscription, etc.? Many young people are interested in technology and speed, so maybe you can get them interested in the latest light rail line, high speed trains, and technology advancements of freight railroads.

You get the idea.

Thanks for reading.

Steve Mitchell

http://www.yardgoatimages.com

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