The purpose of the West Virginia Railroad Museum, Inc. is to be a cultural resource dedicated to educating visitors and the community about West Virginia's railroad history.

This mission will be accomplished through the collection, preservation and interpretation of significant locomotives, rolling stock, artifacts, photographs and memorabilia directly related to railroads and railroading in West Virginia. In addition to static exhibits, select pieces of equipment in the collection are restored and operated throughout the year to demonstrate steam, gasoline, and diesel technology and provide visitors with a first-hand experience of our railroad history through the sights, sounds, and sensations of a train ride.

The West Virginia Railroad Museum will stimulate economic tourism development by promoting the essence and spirit of West Virginia's railroad heritage through educational programs including operations, safety and interpretation of historic railroad equipment, structures, engineering and trackage.

WVN 9 UPDATE - By Denver R. Barnett.

Denver Barnett met with Rhonda Brisendine and Jeff Harpold from the West Virginia Department of Transportation, and Bob Kearns, Chariman of the Equipment Committee, at Sistersville Tank Works, Inc. The purposes of the visit were for Rhonda and Jeff to see the accomplished work done on #9 during Phase II of the restoration, and to meet with company officials to determine what Phase III work needs to be completed while the locomotive remains on their property.

The participants spent approximately two and one half hours on site, with most of that time being spent in discussion with the engineer/draftsman who has done all of the drawings for the project and will play a large role in completing the required FRA form 4.  They went into the shop area with the engineer, who showed and explained the work which has been done.  Of special interest were the flexible staybolts which were manufactured for the firebox repair.

Everyone seemed to be pleased with the inspection and the work which has been done.  Ms. Brisendine has agreed to expedite the paperwork needed to issue funding for Phase III.

Since the meeting occurred, WVDOT has entered into a contract with our sponsoring government agency which will allow the Phase III steam locomotive restoration funds to be released.  Work will begin when the Notice to Proceed is received from WVDOT.

_ During a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors, held on January 14th, the board decided to change the annual General Membership Meeting to May 5th at 1:00 pm.  The reasons for making this change are as follows:

• Some members are reluctant to travel to Elkins in February due to snow and icy road conditions.
• Warmer weather and longer daylight hours will allow us to plan outdoor events 
• To take into account that travel time is extended greatly by winter weather.
• In order to garner membership support for the many important decisions that the board will be making.
• To include events that will be of interest to members.
• To increase interest and  attendance at our annual meeting

These are the important events and schedule for the meeting:

DATE:   May 5, 2012

LOCATION:  Railyard Restaurant, upstairs meeting room (located across the tracks from the Elkins Depot)

EVENTS AND MEETING SCHEDULE:

 9:30 – 11:30 am  TOUR NEW MUSEUM SITE IN BEVERLY (Meet Jim Schoonover at Elkins Depot and auto convoy to Beverly site.)

11:30 – 1:00 pm  BUFFET LUNCH at the Railyard Restaurant (This time period will allow you to meet with board members face to face.)

1:00 – 3:00 pm     GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING (Various reports and presentations)

3:15 – 5:30 pm     TRAIN RIDE TO BELINGTON SHOPS AND RETURN ( Ride will include opportunities for photo run-bys and a tour of the Belington Shop area to see specific projects that the museum is working on. Bring your camera! 
(NO CHARGE to members)

5:30 – 6:15 pm     After the train ride has concluded, Lars Byrne will present a railroad history presentation, “West Virginia Central RR Yesterday, Today and  Tomorrow”, at the Railyard Restaurant.  No Charge.

A special thanks is extended to the board members who helped to put this plan together, John Smith for making the train, crew and ride available,  Kathy Smith for giving us free use of the upstairs dining room and for providing the buffet lunch at a reduced cost and Julia Elbon for making rooms available at the Days Inn on  May 4 and 5 at a reduced rate.

Please bring your membership card with you and refer to the enclosed insert for buffet menu, cost, room rates and other important information.

Denver Barnett,
Membership Chairman