Railroad museum seeks a home

By VANESSA SCHUTZ
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Jim Marter of Youngstown has been looking for a permanent home since 1985 -- but not for himself.
Marter is president of the Mahoning Valley Railroad Heritage Association, looking to house 18 pieces of railroad equipment in the area.
"It's an undertaking where a lot is involved," Marter said. "It's frustrating trying to deal with it for years."
Scattered in three locations in the Mahoning Valley, the equipment is representative of the area's steel-mill heritage.
"We have all the makings to set up a good museum," Marter said.
That would include such equipment as a Pennsylvania Railroad caboose, two Troop Sleepers, a Southern Ohio Power Company Fireless locomotive, two Youngstown Sheet & amp; Tube hot metal cars, a slag car and an ore car.
What's been the holdup in finding a museum site for the past 19 years? Land with railroad access is needed to keep all of the items, including signals and miscellaneous railroad memorabilia.
Wants to keep it here
Marter has had offers to display the pieces in locations outside the area but remains determined to hold out for a permanent place in Youngstown.
Railroad access is needed to easily move all of the pieces.
"It's best to have a railroad museum by the railroads," Marter joked.
He thinks the museum would be a good addition to the state-run Youngstown Historical Center of Labor & amp; Industry at 151 W. Wood St.
"People can see pictures of the equipment and then actually see it in person at our museum," Marter said.
The pieces intended for display were either donated or bought by the heritage association and its members.
The association, with 47 members, strives to obtain, restore and display equipment of the railroad that served the Valley. The association was originally formed to handle steam-powered excursions.
Once or twice a year, the association offers railroad excursions as a fund-raiser for the museum and to buy more equipment. This year, two engines took passengers from Dennison, Ohio to Sugarcreek, Ohio.
Design incomplete
The design for the museum is still incomplete, pending acquisition of land. Bill Lawson, director of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, has offered to help with the layout once a location is determined.
"We have a lot of stuff," Marter said. "We'd love to display it somewhere."
Marter, a member of the Youngstown Model Railroad Association since 1958, has always been intrigued by the railroad. He hopes a museum will attract tourism to Youngstown because of its unique steel-mill equipment.
If no offers from the Youngstown area appear in the near future, Marter said, the association will have no choice but to move the equipment elsewhere.
To donate railroad equipment or land for the museum, contact Marter at (800) 571-1199.
vschutz@vindy.com