I didn’t get around to writing this post until almost two years after I visited this place, and I’ve forgotten a lot about my visit. I do recall being fairly impressed at the amount of equipment on display.
The museum is in the original repair shops for the St. Louis Southwestern Railway (SSW), more commonly known as the Cotton Belt Line.
It was a hot day, and most of the building wasn’t air conditioned. The guy who took my money suggested I tour the hot part first and then he’d take me into the display section, which was air conditioned.
There were a few people around, but not many. I was able to go inside many of the cars. The signs and displays that explained things were of varying degrees of helpfulness.
This is SSW #819, built by the Cotton Belt. It was restored and went on occasional excursions until 1993 when the government demanded a complete overhaul.
Cotton Belt 336, built in 1909. It no longer functions, but it looks impressive sitting here.
This car was the hospital kitchen on an Army troop train. It’s since been converted for other uses.
A Pullman sleeper car, I think.
The beast on the right is a snow plow. I’m not sure where it was used, but probably not Arkansas. The caboose on the left was painted a hideous florescent green inside, probably to keep the workers from spending any more time in there than necessary.
I don’t recall much of what was in the display rooms except that it was a glorious jumble of old railroad stuff, some of which was pretty cool. I’d definitely visit again — hopefully when it’s cooler.