Museum of Transportation

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  • November 19, 2016 at 2:22 pm #5808
    luisflierl26
    Participant

    Recent news this week that St. Louis County is considering donating the Museum of Transportation including the land and collection back to the Transport Museum Administration.

    There is a public hearing on this Tuesday November 22nd.

    This is the museum where part of the MPHS archives collection is currently stored. We have had a good working relationship with the County employees over the years, and I hope some will continue their jobs under the new administration. I have been assured by TMA that our agreement with the Museum will continue, but I will be meeting with them after the merger to discuss the situation further.

    Feelings among railfans in St. Louis are mixed on this issue. Some feel County has been hindering progress at the Museum, while others feel TMA can not manage the property alone. Most feel a single management system would be better than the current double management system. The Museum is not part of the City/County Museum tax district and does not receive the same level of funding as the Zoo, History Museum, Art Museum, and Botanical Garden. Only time will tell.

    I am putting this out there for information only and not making any endorsement one way or the other. MPHS will continue to work with the Museum on exhibits, archival work, and MP related preservation issues.

    November 23, 2016 at 12:20 pm #8142
    luisflierl26
    Participant

    An update from the newspaper

    http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/st-louis-county-wants-out-of-partnership-with-museum-of/article_3ea5ae10-a14c-513f-a840-a5d4ff5caa7a.html

    November 24, 2016 at 1:32 am #8143
    benjamintickell53
    Participant

    Thanks for the update. I remember the museum from the time in the late 60s and early 70s, when it seemed that everything was rusting or rotting into oblivion, and it seems that the present operation at least slowed, if not reversed, that process. Some of the comments following this news article state that the “dedicated curators” will be out of a job as of January. If that is the case, it seems an ominous start to a return to private control. Its undoubtedly a difficult situation due to funding, but the museum has national stature, and should be supported by St. Louis in some substantive manner, regardless of the entity which holds ownership.

    On a MoPac related note, at one time some years back, one of the rare MP baggage-coach-caboose cars was on a possible dispersal list from the MOT. Did that happen, or does the car still reside at MOT? If it was sold, to who and where?

    Bill Pollard

    November 26, 2016 at 4:45 pm #8148
    luisflierl26
    Participant

    Bill:

    All County employees were given layoff notices effective Dec 31, even though this transfer has not been approved by the County Council. They have been promised first opportunity at other County Park jobs available.

    I’ve spoken/emailed some TMA board members, and they say operation will continue as normal, and some County employees will be talked to about re-hiring. We will see how that works out.

    I personally have mixed opinions about it. Government control has red-taped many issues. If TMA hires the right people, it could prove a good thing. Being under non-profit status may open them up to some funding opportunities. Feelings locally are very mixed with people as you can imagine.

    The MP baggage/caboose is still there, but in almost unrestorable condition, and the trucks are not original. Kevin looked at it in some detail about a year ago, he may have more info. I’m sure it would be on the disposal/scrap list assuming they do that. There are many pieces in the collection that are probably beyond reasonably saving, and are taking up valuable space and resources.

    The transfer agreement with County does have some limits to what can be sold/scrapped in the next 5 years. Also scrap metal prices are almost too low to bother at this point.

    December 2, 2016 at 5:00 am #8151
    clemmie_doris12
    Participant

    As David mentioned, the branchline caboose is in terrible condition. The roof has been leaking for quite some time and you can imagine the trouble that condition has caused. Serious rust is everywhere. The trucks are not original, either. I tried to buy it when it first came up for disposal, but my offer was rejected. They probably did me a favor. As much as I would like to restore it, I just don’t think it is worth it. I could be conned into taking it, if they want to give it away or sell it for a dollar. I would have to wrangle UP out of a free move on a flat car, also.

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