|
|
|
|
Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum (Unofficial Site)
Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum News
This page last updated on: 02/17/2004!
October
2003 Update
The GG1 is on a siding about 8 blocks from the museum along with most of the rest of the rolling stock collection. This was all moved last year due to the anticipated construction of the Quarter Roundhouse and turntable. The rolling stock is actually going to be moved on November 13 to the lead just outside the museum yard as the location in which it is now stored must be vacated. The GG-1 must actually be rerailed as part of the process. It was derailed in the original move. For everyone's info, the roundhouse construction is scheduled for 2004 along with the turntable. All the funding is in place to accomplish this project. The turntable will come from the abandoned shop in Pen Argyl. Financially, the Museum is making progress. The coming year will see the 150th birthday of the Horseshoe Curve and it is hoped to involve corporate America in the sponsorship of this year-long celebration to a level we have never done before. The best use of the original museum building is being explored, to include food service (which the museum has always lacked). Scott Cessna, 10/22/03
October 2003 Update - Halloween
 |
Halloween Night at Railroader's Memorial Museum. Pictured
are Matthew Barnes, a Boy Scout volunteer (9, without his fright mask)
and David Seidel in his engineers get up. David pretended to be the
engineer of the Walter Main Circus Train that wrecked. The Museum was
in dark conditions for all visitors to create the illusion required.
|
October
2003 Update - Railfest
 |
Museum Yard during Railfest 2003. Photo by David Seidel |
 |
Warrior Ridge at Altoona Station during Railfest 2003. Photo by David Seidel
|
For further Railfest 2003 photographs, see the Altoona Railroader's Memorial Museum website at www.railroadcity.com.
September 2003 Updates
On August 20, 2003, Governor Ed Rendell (D) PA visited the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum to present a $1.6 million check to assure completion of the quarter roundhouse construction and turntable installation. (David Seidel)
Article from the 8-20-03 Altoona Mirror. Photo of check presentation to Railroader's Memorial Museum by Governor Ed Rendell (D) PA for roundhouse construction. Pictured l-r: Scott Cessna, Museum Executive Director, Gov Rendell, Brent Fisher-Altoona City Council, and Dr. Andy Mulhollen, Museum Board President. Photo by David Seidel Governor Ed Rendell (D) PA at Railroader's Memorial Museum on 8-20-2003
Photo by David SeidelGovernor Ed Rendell (D) PA at Railroader's Memorial Museum on 8-20-2003
Photo by David Seidel
Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum Courting National Sponsors |
Article from the 8-20-03 Altoona Mirror. |  |
Article from the 8-20-03 Altoona Mirror. |
Railfest Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed to Staff the Station and Rail Excursions for the upcoming Railfest Celebration in Altoona on Oct 4 and 5. Volunteers are needed between the hours of 9am and 5pm Saturday and 9am and 3:30pm on Sunday. You may work one or both days. ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST BE AVAILABLE for a MANDATORY orientation meeting one evening at 7:30 at the AMTRAK STATION in Altoona one week before the event. ( Usually the Tuesday before Railfest). If you are interested please contact Bill Mangiacarne at 814-943-6784 or EMAIL him at WAMMP236@aol.com ( Please reference RAILFEST as the subject of your email.)
SECOND ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST For RAILFEST 2003The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum will once again host their Annual Photo Contest in conjunction with Railfest 2003. The following are some standardized rules to assist should anyone would like to participate. Dave Seidel
OPEN COMPETITION GUIDELINES
Photography entries according to the following guidelines, are solicited by the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, Altoona, PA. The exhibit will open in Memorial Hall on October 1, 2003 in conjunction with the annual RAILFEST weekend, and continue until October 26th.
This is a PRINT COMPETITION. Color or Black and White entries may be submitted. Name, address, and title of work must be on back of work.
The minimum photo-print size is 8 X 10 inches or larger, mounted, or matted, on appropriate mat material. Framing is not required, but framed prints will be accepted at the discretion of the person submitting his/her work.
Entry Fee: None
Entries may be hand-delivered to Railroader's Memorial Museum not later than September 20th, 2003. Mailed entries will be accepted; however, persons mailing entries must include return postage and packaging material to insure return of the work.
All entries will be returned.
Entry of each photograph conveys permission to Railroader's Memorial Museum to utilize a 'prize-winning' image, at it's discretion, for promotional purposes, or publication, to benefit Railroader's Memorial Museum. Proper photographic credit will be given in any instance, and the original work will be returned. First, Second, and Third Prizes will be awarded.
SUBJECT: Any railroad theme which relates to Altoona's historical association with the railroad industry, from any time period. This would include the Pennsylvania Railroad era, Penn-Central era, Conrail era, and Norfolk Southern. In addition, entries are also solicited in a Special Category dealing with the Horseshoe Curve in conjunction with the forthcoming 150th Anniversary of this engineering landmark. The Best-of-Show for the Horseshoe Curve category will be selected for inclusion in a proposed book about Horseshoe Curve…with appropriate photographic credit.
Railroader's Memorial Museum: (814) 946-0834 www.railroadcity.com
Norfolk Southern to Sponsor the ARMM/Railway Heritage Scholarship Program
Horseshoe Curve Chapter's relatively new editor for the Coal Bucket, the official Chapter newsletter, was on the job August 20, 2003 for press conferences at Altoona Railroader's Memorial Museum. Editor Jamey Rickens was present when NS Corp spokesperson, Rudy Husband, presented Railroader's Memorial Museum with a check for $50,000 for sponsorship of the Railway Heritage Scholarship Program at the Museum, which will sponsor students for several years.. The Railway Heritage Scholarship Program will provide funding for students in area school districts to visit and tour the museum as on on-going educational process, that will educate young people about the heritage of the railroad industry.
 |
Article from the 8-20-03 issue of the Altoona Mirror. |  |
Editor Jamey Rickens interviews Mr. Rudy Husband of Norfolk Southern Corporation for the Coal Bucket, following the check presentation August 20, 2003. |
 |
Ceremonial NS Check for $50,000 for sponsorship of the ARMM/Railway Heritage Scholarship Program |
EIGHTH WONDER OF THE MODERN WORLD, THE WORLD FAMOUS HORSESHOE CURVE GETS READY TO CELEBRATE ITS 150TH BIRTHDAY |
ALTOONA, PA. In 1851 a brash young civil engineer by the name of J.Edgar Thomson set out to build the first railroad to scale the mighty Allegheny Mountains in Central Pennsylvania. When his boss balked at putting up the money for this seemingly impossible task, young J.Edgar got himself elected to the Presidency of the Pennsylvania Railroad one year later and raised the $3 million dollars it would take to get the job done.
Considered an engineering masterpiece even today, his 14.4 mile climb from Altoona up the face of the east slope of Allegheny Mountain, reverses itself at Kittanning Point into an amazing Horseshoe and ascends almost 2 feet every 100 feet, clinging to drop dead valley walls and ridges all the way to the summit. Within three short years J. Edgar Thomson had opened up an East-West corridor that made possible the industrialization of an entire nation. John Edgar Thomson is also credited with being the first to organize a corporation into line and staff management positions. For this significant achievement he is considered to be the father of the modern day global corporation. For this reason alone this event is expected to receive wide support from America's business community.
Taking the lead in celebrating these amazing and historic events the Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona (the base for Thomson's assault on the Alleghenies) has planned a month-long series of commemorative events. With a kick-off planned for the Museum's annual Railfest event in October of this year, a special excursion train lead by the last remaining passenger locomotives of the once-mighty Pennsylvania railroad will travel from Philadelphia to Altoona for the occasion.
The actual February birthday will feature a dedication event sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers which had named the Horseshoe Curve one of the original Seven Wonders of the Modern World in the early 1900's. ASCE will designate the Curve as a National Civil engineering Landmark at the February event to be held in Pittsburgh.
In preparation for the June 2004 month-long celebration the Museum will release an RFP to assess the possibility of returning the last remaining K4 steam locomotive currently under restoration at Steamtown to Altoona in time for the celebration. Once the assessment is completed the Museum will seek a Corporate Sponsor to partner with the State's Department of Transportation to make it happen.
The centerpiece of the 150th Anniversary will be the dedication of the nation's first Railroaders Memorial Monument to be unveiled at the apex of the Horseshoe Curve on Memorial Day of 2004. The Memorial will commemorate those men and women who have given their lives in service of the Railroads of North America.
The Museum has issued an open invitation to all operators of classic locomotives in North America for them to participate in a Memorial Display of Motive Power that is expected to be the largest collection of vintage steam and diesel locomotives in the nation's history on July 4th.
The Railroaders Memorial Museum wants everyone to remember the men and women who gave their blood, sweat and lives to build "the Eighth Wonder of the Modern World," the 150 year old Horseshoe Curve and every other mile of track across this great nation. Museum President Dr. Andy Mulhollen puts it best, when he says, "These men, these women, they truly are the backbone of America. They cannot be forgotten. They will not be forgotten."
A press conference announcing the slate of events will be held will be held at 10AM on August 18 in the theater at the Railroaders Museum. Contact: Harry Webber Press@BrandedFilms.com (8/16/03)
01-23-03 Update
 |
 |
"Museum Has New Director" From the 11-19-02 Altoona Mirror |
11-12-02 Update
 |
 |
 |
"Westsylvania in Line to Run Rail Museum" and "Museum to Reveal Financial Specifics" From the 11-12-02 Altoona Mirror |
Update
 |
News article from the Altoona Mirror, August 2002 as Bob Weaver and Dick Charlesworth (NRHS Director, Horseshoe Curve Chapter) "supervise" as sidewalk superintendents. Watching crews re-align track at Altoona Railroader's Memorial Museum to move rolling stock from dead-end tracks. This operation is preparatory to construction of a turntable pit on the museum grounds. |
10AUG02 Update
On 8/8/02, David Seidel wrote "Much ado, much new, much ongoing at ARMM. A brief review:
Construction and preparation are now resumed to prepare the grounds for the anticipated turntable for the round house. All rolling stock is being moved and relocated; a few pieces may be de-accessioned.
Most rolling stock has been lifted onto the "live" siding track and moved to the the Horseshoe Curve Chapter's siding at the Ward Warehouse at 4th Street. The Chapter leases one track, but WARD is permitting use of 2nd track as well.
As of today, only the fence-line track along the linear park remains. This contains the (from east to west), dining car, Birch River Pullman, Fruit Growers Express car; GG-1 # 4913 remains on an adjacent track. One car is on the "live" track as of today, the ex-PRR, ex-PCRR, Conrail Class FD-2, depressed center flat car referred to as the "Queen Mary".
A new track has been constructed on the lawn of the museum, and a new access track (through and from west-end of) the Altoona Pipe & Steel shop (PRR circa 1905). Tomorrow a temporary link will be laid across 12th street . This matches up with a gate on AP&S property and a gate at ARMM. The FD-2 will be moved August 8th, out of museum property on the live siding, and back through Altoona Pipe & Steel sidings, through their shop, across 12th Street through fence lines, and onto the lawn of the ARMM. The FD-2 class flat, a one-of-a-kind car with 32 wheels from 4 truck sets from the PRR Class T-1 locomotive tenders, will be used as a stage for special events at ARMM in the future.
The Diner, and Birch River and Fruit Growers Express car will be lifted onto the live siding and moved to Ward Warehouse sidings temporarily. Then, the live siding will be cut into the adjacent track to remove the GG-1 temporarily.
Ties are laid from another (new )access track through Altoona Pipe and Steel Co. which is already cut into and laid permanently across 12th street and fencelines. Rail will be applied from fenceline on the ties into the roundhouse shell; the LORETTO, private railcar of steel baron Charles M. Schwab, will be stored under this shelter temporarily.
A corporate sponsor, Blair Medical Associates of Altoona, is funding the acquisition of the new turntable for the museum, which will be installed in close proximity to building B.
The current work for the relocation of the FD-2 and it's track is being done by the crew of Jan Finkbinder who also rehabilitated the Ward Siding track for the Horseshoe Curve Chapter.
The PRR Cabin Car has been lifted and relocated onto the siding along the loading dock (entrance-passage) of Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, lining up with the X-29 boxcar and the yellow a/c & heating equipment boxcar. This will enable access to the caboose "cabin" off the dock for tours at a future time and is well suited to the design of the museum.
This is great new progress for the museum and the activity will enhance the facility for years to come. In addition, Building B has reopened with some exhibits (still under development) and, with it, Memorial Hall is more accessible on a daily basis.
Plans are progressing rapidly for the annual RAILFEST celebration October 5 & 6, 2002. Much of the equipment and track relocation work will be done by that time. Anticipated again this year, are Saturday and Sunday excursions with the restored Pennsylvania Railroad E-8 locomotives from Juniata Terminal Co. Other activities will be announced shortly.
URGENTLY STILL NEEDED is a larger core of volunteers in a variety of areas both at the museum and the Horseshoe Curve. Needed are: Gift shop attendants (greet visitors, operate cash register, sales and admissions); Greeters at ARMM Lobby and Horseshoe Curve Visitors Center; Floor Attendants; docents, grounds-maintenance workers.
LEND YOUR TIME AND TALENT TO ALTOONA RAILROADER'S MEMORIAL MUSEUM's HISTORY AND LEGACY FACILITIES.
LEAVE A PERSONAL LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. REMEMBER ALTOONA RAILROADER'S MEMORIAL MUSEUM IN BEQUESTS AND WILLS. David Seidel
01AUG02 Update
The Boxcar BBQ was a great success. We sold 750 chicken dinners. It was very well received and many people asked when we were doing it again. The chicken was to die for. Dr Andy Mulhollen Secretary Executive Committee Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum.
28JUL02 Update
"Well its true. There are trees falling at the Curve. The guys have already cleared a large part of the first window on the east side of the curve. I was up to the Curve with my son over the Weekend and I must say its a great start . In these windows the trees and brush are totally removed. There will also be a window on the west side of the curve. After the windows are cut the rest will be topped . This should be done in another 2-3 weeks. I know everyone is waiting to see it when the trees are down. I can't wait!!!
We have set the date for our first fundraising event. July 20th will be the first annual Boxcar BBQ held on the grounds of the museum. It will feature a Chicken BBQ with all the fixings as well as a Health Screening booth set up by the medical group where I practice, Blair Medical Associates. We are working on some entertainment as well.
The next event will be on August 17th. It will be a kind of Railroad theme Antique Road show type event. We are also hoping to have some Railroad antique or Railroadiana dealers there as well. We are currently working out the details on this as well. If you have some cool stuff to show off or want appraised this is the place to do it. If any of you out there would be interested in setting up a table or 2 or more to sell Railroadiana please email me. We have not yet set prices for tables yet, I can tell you that we will have indoor space in Building B (the original museum) and outdoor space if you have a tent and want to set up outside.
Railfest: It will not include any shop tours this year at all. We are working hard to come up with some cool programming for in the yard and in Downtown Altoona. Bennett Levin's E8's are slated to make another appearance this year. There will be long distance trips from Harrisburg to Altoona on Saturday morning and return Sunday evening. Coach and Private Varnish. New this year will be an Altoona to Pittsburgh and return excursion. It will depart Altoona Saturday afternoon after the last Curve trip and return on Sunday morning. Overnight accommodations in Pittsburgh will be included. We may have some program in Pittsburgh as well for the evening. Details and prices will be forthcoming soon. Plan to come and Ride the train and take it all in. Building B will also have some new displays for Railfest. It should be a good time. Will continue to update as things happen." Dr Andy Mulhollen Secretary Executive Committee Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum.
27JUL02 Update
While the exhibits in the Master Mechanic Building are theme-structured, Building B will provide the opportunity for the museum to exhibit other artifacts in the museum archives from time to time which are not often on public view. And, of course, this makes MEMORIAL HALL more accessible. "Everyday is Memorial Day at the Altoona Railroader's Memorial Museum".
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to assist in staffing the museum facilities at all times, ESPECIALLY with the re-opening of Building B. Call Debby Hicks at the Museum. (814) 946-0834 or Toll Free (888) 425-8666.
New stock is arriving in the museum gift shops too !" Dave Seidel
30JUN02 Update
Food for thought. 2004 is the HORSESHOE CURVE'S150TH ANNIVERSARY. Time for us all to put those thinking caps on for an appropriate observance. Dave Seidel29JUN02 Update
"Dear Friend of the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, Your help is urgently needed.
The lack of a successful endowment program, combined with the effects of September 11th has caused a critical financial shortfall in the operating budget of the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum and the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark.
You help is needed today. An immediate cash donation will help insure the future of this valuable institution.
In addition to your cash donation - or instead of a cash donation if you are unable to give - volunteer hours can be a tremendous help during this difficult time.
Please call today and commit your support. (814) 946-0834, extension 232.
Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum
1300 Ninth Avenue
Altoona, PA 16602
Thank You"
See the Official Press Release from the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum here. 29JUN02
Commentary
by
David W. Seidel
Horseshoe Curve Chapter Historian
"The announced financial crisis at Altoona Railroader's Memorial Museum of May 23, 2002, is, of course, disconcerting and a cause of concern to the Horseshoe Curve Chapter. Our long association, if you will read the Chapter history on our webpage, details this history.
The newspaper articles are self-explanatory. But by way of confirmation, the financial difficulties at the museum are not due to mis-management or malfeasance. Much commentary by other pens offer probable causes, some of which may be valid, but uninformed speculation can be deadly to the museum's current predicament.
Altoona Railroader's Memorial Museum, admittedly, has grown and developed significantly since the doors opened on the original building September 21, 1980. As one of founding members (and there were many of us), we did, in fact, have a dream for Altoona in founding this museum facility. The significant improvements with the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Site Development (1992) and the development of the Master Mechanic's Building (1998) have been dramatic. Speaking for myself, I probably never thought the museum would be the world-class facility it is today, in such a short span of time. In saying this, I must add that because it is "world-class", it is, and remains, a source of great pride to see such a facility in Altoona, Pennsylvania. And the improvements continue with the K-4 project and the roundhouse construction.
But, gate receipts and other revenue from visitors, railfans, and the public at large are what keep the doors open. Daily operating expenses are high due to the significant electronics, specialized lighting, and of course, in winter, heat and maintenance. But this was a known reality at the time of development.
A significant drop in tourism since the 911 disaster is partly to blame. Admittedly the quality of Altoona Railroader's Memorial Museum would be more typically located in a larger population center. What is the solution? Better marketing? Better financial savvy? Retrenchment?
As painful as it must have been, the museum board has placed the survival of the facility as the top most priority. In doing so, staff positions including management have been sacrificed, as has the current Board of Directors. But, please understand that this Board of Directors have all been highly dedicated people genuinely interested in the mission of the museum. A major re-organization is now underway, tapping other talent in the local financial and business community, and a business plan is being developed.
One of the foremost assets of Altoona Railroader's Memorial Museum has been the contagious and infectious enthusiasm of Mr. Cummins McNitt who came to the museum in the development phase of the Master Mechanics Building as Curator, and most recently as Executive Director. The responsibilities of any Executive Director are many and, to paraphrase former President Harry S. Truman, "the buck stops here" at the Executive Directors desk. However, from my perspective as a docent/volunteer, I sincerely hope Mr. McNitt is retained for his demonstrated dedication and the many talents he obviously contributes to ARMM.
As plans evolve for re-organization and re-structuring a new museum Board, we as the railfan community, can either be part of the solution or be part of the problem. We all have this great forum in the year 2002 of the "world wide web", where communication is instantaneous and literally world-wide in seconds. We all have our opinions, rightly or wrongly, for that is the American way. But Freedom of Speech, while one of our basic constitutional rights, is also one of responsibility. Uninformed speculation, hearsay, and innuendo can be cancerous. It isn't just Altoona's museum, it is "OUR" museum. Take pride in all of it for it is a heritage that represents us all.
Respectfully submitted, David W. Seidel."
18 Feb 2002 Update
On 18 Feb 2002 Cummins McNitt wrote ".... We are making a lot of changes at Steamtown these days. I guess I will start there.
K4s#1361
We have hired Bill Frederickson to work on the K4, full time. Bill is a superb mechanic who knows steam inside and out. He had been working on the neighboring Boston and Maine locomotive in the Steamtown shops, but their funding ran out. During this past week we hired an additional two men (David Bechdel and Arthur Leighty) through the Occupational Job Training program through the Southern Alleghenies Planning Commission. Both men are local displaced workers, one a welder the other a machinist. They are living in Scranton until the project's completion when they will return home to Altoona to continue their employment. We are also hoping to keep these two men on as full time employees of the Museum. We are currently in negotiations with Steamtown in hopes of acquiring several other employees to work on our locomotive, full time until the end of September. Jeff Miller continues his work on the K4. We have also instituted several internal operational changes. One of these is the appointment of one volunteer to serve as the lead volunteer in charge of volunteer management. We are also changing the working hours of the paid crew to run from Wednesday through Sunday, providing for maximum volunteer/paid staff coverage. We believe we will get a greater return for our investment in the long run with these changes. It is still our intention to bring the K4 home later this fall. Let me end by saying that bringing Barry Claar on board to supervise the restoration is the best thing the Museum ever did. He is extremely good at his work, supervising people and getting the research and information together to proceed.
Herman Haupt Bridge
Our friends in Chicago, under the leadership of Ed Windhorst, are continuing their restoration on the Herman Haupt Truss Bridge. The bridge itself was recently moved to another shop in Nebraska where more extensive restoration will be undertaken. No one has been out to see it, but I am awaiting photos of its progress. We hope to raise about $75,000 to bring her back and to install her on a bridge foundation in the yard. If you look at our yard layout in the lobby you will see its placement. We hope to place a car on top, to show how it was used and to interpret the piece with panels. We recently made a connection with a distant relative. We hope this connection will provide additional help in its interpretation.
Alto Tower
NS has given us a letter of commitment stating that the Museum has the right of first refusal. When they decide to make their move we will be contacted. The challenge is finding the funding to have her moved to the yard. We believe the move and installation should take between $75,000 - $100,000. We have included this in a TEA21 application made recently. We are hoping for its placement on the statewide list.
Turntable/Roundhouse
The Joe Orr Group has begun construction. The last of the caissons for the first bay of the Quarter round house (QRH) are just now being finished. It has been a major challenge because of the two tunnels that run underneath the yard and because of the foot thick cement steel reinforced slabs that have to be cut through in the yard. The drilling crew from South Carolina has had a tough time getting the caissons in place. We are drilling 18 feet deep, 4 feet into the actual bed rock. The steel has been ordered and should be in soon. We hope to have the first bay completed by late April or early May. We still need the funding to get the sides and doors put on, but we believe this funding is now on the horizon. Once the building is in place, Jan Finkbeiner will come in and finish the track work. He redid a new lead through Altoona Pipe and Steel, from their first switch, between their buildings and right up to the 12th St. fence. We have worked out the easement with the city and Altoona Pipe and Steel on the 12th Street crossover. We will install special gates that when opened will close off the pedestrian corridor (temporarily). The crossover will be installed by Orr and Finkbeiner.
We have two leads on turntables, but nothing solid yet. Our goal is to purchase an old one, bring it here and restore it, or perhaps lengthen it if it is too long.
Loretto
We recently met with the new owner of Albert Michaels Conservation, David Tull. We are constructing a new conservation room into the new area of the original museum building. We have requested a new estimate to use in writing for grants for the continued work on the Loretto. To date we are about 55% of the way through the restoration process. The QRH project is even more important in the light of the long term needs of the Loretto.
GG1
We have been working with Andrea Vibbert on the GG1. She and her husband have been coming up and doing some surface restoration. Again, the QRH project becomes every more important in the light of our long term conservation/preservation needs.
Other activities
We just received an Archival grant from PHMC. It will help us bring in 2 contractors to work on two large Conrail donations made a number of years ago. The collections are of old drawings, schematics, etc. of pieces that are as old as the 1880's. We received another grant through Senator Jubelirer to do some renovations in the original museum building. We hope to turn one area in the building into collections storage, the other area into public space/rotating exhibits, and last to upgrade Memorial Hall.
Railfest 2002
Railfest 2002 is on for October 5 & 6. Taste of Blair County will kick off the festivities on Oct. 3 at the Heritage Discovery Center. Tickets are on sale at the Museum. Railfest activities should be announced later in March.
January 31, 2002 Update
On January 31, 2002 , Cummins McNitt, Executive Director of the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum provided an update on the Museum and its various projects.
K4 restoration is ongoing. The Museum just hired another full time mechanic (Bill Frederickson) and plan to hire additional staff in the near future. (1 welder, 1 machinist). Efforts are underway to bring another 3-4 full time people on board. We are still looking for more volunteers. There are about 12-15 very steady folks volunteering right now.
It is the Museum’s hope to return the K-4 to an excursion plan, all be it modest at first to a few trips a year. They will also fire her up in the yard on a fixed program schedule to use her under steam for interpretive programming.
“We are fixing up the inside of the original Museum building so we can have a place for storing the artifacts in 1/3 of the building. The other 2/3 will be used for public space and temporary exhibits, etc. We have also been trying to find the funding to redo Memorial Hall with all new plaques, ceiling, restore the Servello mural, etc.
We are building a Quarter Roundhouse for the return of the K4, the Loretto, Spirit of St. Louis Pullman cars, etc. The roundhouse will give us the opportunity to not only protect some of our more important pieces, but it will also give us the space to do our own restoration. The turntable will free up the yard and let us be more creative in our programming and better at caring for the collection. Part of the QRH plan is to work on the overall yard layout, meaning more of a park setting for the public to enjoy, as well as to save two very important historic pieces: First, the Alto Tower. NS has given right of first refusal to the Museum. We want to save Alto, bring her into the yard, restore her and open her up for the public. Second, the Herman Haupt Truss Bridge. This bridge design was credited with winning the Civil War. It was put together like an erector set. The South would destroy a RR bridge, the North would use one of these and be back in service in a day or two. Remember, the North won based on its ability to out man, and out resource the South. The RR made this possible on both counts. It was also used in the construction of the transcontinental railroad. A group of Chicago bridge engineers are currently restoring the bridge to be returned to Altoona.
Horseshoe Curve trees. We just crossed our final obstacle this week by receiving final permission from NS to proceed with the cutting of trees at the HSC. We also had to get approval from various agencies within the state and federal governments. We will cut two "windows" on each side of the HSC and we will cut the trees on the inside area of the park. NS will not allow us to cut most of them down, due to bank stabilization. We hope to put it out to bid in later March or April. (We still have to jump through a few bureaucratic hoops. We are also going to be doing other site improvements, thanks to regional labor oriented foundation support.
Please remember, we are a private, non-profit organization. We pay NS an annual lease and annual insurance coverage to operate the site on their land. The funicular is a wonderful addition, providing visitors with mobility problems an opportunity to access the site on their own, never possible under the old site set up. The funicular is expensive to operate, as is the rest of the site (pumping out restrooms, maintenance, stairs care, etc.) We kept it open free to the public for the first 3 years after reopening, hoping that gift shops sales would pay its way, but that didn't happen. We were forced to begin charging an admission fee in 1995 and that fee has remained the same price for the last 7 years.
And last but not least, we are a private not for profit organization. We need the community's ongoing support through volunteers and financial giving. We have a job for just about everyone! We don't receive operating money from anyone. We stay open by people coming through the door and buying in our store. 70% of our visitors are from outside the area. We want to improve our regional visitation. We hope to do this with more and better programs, lots of discounted coupons and so forth. We need their support and help to keep telling this important story!”
Articles Regarding the Status of the K-4, Alto Tower & Employment
The following articles were in the Tuesday, December 26, 2000 issue of the Altoona Mirror. They discuss the Museum's efforts regarding the Restoration of the K-4 and their interest in preserving Alto Tower...if closed by Norfolk Southern. Norfolk Southern indicates they have no intention of closing it at this time. (posted 1/5/00)
The following articles were in the Saturday October 7, 2000 issue of the Altoona Mirror. One discusses the employment situation with NS and the other the status of the Alto Tower.
NRHS and its
logo are trademarks of the National Railway Historical Society
Railfest is a trademark of the Altoona Railroaders Memorial
Museum, Inc
The logos for the
Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, Conrail, CSX, Norfolk Southern,
and Amtrak are trademarks of their respective organizations.
