August 27, 2025 - TRA Newswire -
The Texas Transportation Museum in San Antonio is putting out a call for railroad rail and ties to refresh and expand their property so more people can enjoy their static and operational displays.
According to Texas Transportation Museum Past President David Cenova "the railroad ties would be used for updating approximately half of our current used track and sidings. More would be used for the new extension. The right of way has been cleared and awaiting ties to start."
Cenova said that the museum has a large collection of rail and switches but of only 75 pound size that was donated in the late 80's. Due to today's insurance regulations, 90 pound rail is required. The museum is looking to swap or buy the needed rail to complete the new extension. A tractor trailer load of 8 foot long #1 relay ties is sought, either through donation or purchase. Interested parties can reach the museum at 210-490-3554 or through the website at https://www.txtransportationmuseum.org/.
The Texas Transportation Museum was founded in 1964 as a non profit educational institution that started out at the Pearl Brewery location and moved to its current location in 1968. The museum is on approximately 40 acres and has a long term lease with the City of San Antonio
The San Antonio museum is an all volunteer organization. Displays include all modes of transportation, some static, some fully operational. One of their operating units is a full size railroad offering rides on a weekend basis.
"We currently have approximately 1/3 of a mile, but looking to add another 1/2 mile of operational track," according to Cenova. "There are two current operating diesel locomotives, a 1942 GE 45 ton, and a 1954 Baldwin Lima Hamilton 60 ton switcher. Both are ex military units. We use a converted flat car and a caboose for the train rides. We do have a 1925 Baldwin 0-4-0 steam locomotive that is currently under going a rebuild. It was last run a few years ago, and had a very successful engagement at the museum."
Cenova indicated that the time line for updating existing ties is within the next year, with the starting of the extension within two years. The museum is undertaking a new display building 29' x 100' to house all of their carriages, old cars , trucks and firetruck collections in one place. "We are in the permits stage and hope to have it in place by the end of the year. This will allow us to expand our current model railroad layouts in the current building to allow more participation by our members," said Cenova. "We have our annual Holiday events coming up for Halloween and Christmas which are well attended."
The transportation museum is also active with Scouting as a Charter Organization for numerous divisions.
Photo credit: Texas Transportation Museum
