Amarillo Railroad Museum
The goals are threefold
One, to educate the public about railroads, the Texas Panhandle, and the important economic issues surrounding both. Two, to illustrate historic railroading through preservation of artifacts, oral history, and model railroading. And, three, to develop our land and buildings for the use of the public, to make a small oasis in the parched Amarillo area, where one can rest soul and body, learn, and rejuvenate.
The first goal, that of education, comes with giving new access to children and adults alike to railroading. Being able to not only see, but touch, experience in every way: that is learning at its best! Our future will include school tours, changing displays, and ties to our corporate friends and neighbors for resources, displays, and financial support.
Our second goal will be met through the development of a complete train of display equipment, including locomotive, boxcars, tankcars, cabooses, etc. Our first display is on site: a former Bureau of Mines helium transport car! This car is historically interesting in that Amarillo was the only helium depository in the US, and the history of helium tracks not only the history of toy balloons, but of warfare, the atomic age, and now our leap to the stars! Future cars should include a carbon black car, oil tankcars, chemical cars, beef refrigerators, and their accessories. Additionally, the ARM is working with Pantex to display the famous "White Train" nuclear weapon transportation train. All of these rail exhibits will prove to be interesting and educational.
The third focus, that being developing a quiet spot in the Panhandle where people can rest and renew is also underway. Included in our plans are interpretative trails where people can walk, picnic, and perhaps even camp if on the road. Additionally, a feature we call "Trainhenge" will be a solar and seasonal observatory with a decidedly railroad theme! An outdoor, "ride-on" railway is planned, as are flower gardens, native plant displays, and places to just sit and think!
