arkansas railroad museum

225stuartl

Interesting visit. Fascinating history to the building and a wonderful variety of equipment on display. The volunteers staffing the museum were both enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We went to Pine Bluff primarily to visit the museum and it was well worth the trip.

GeraldH35883

Wow....this was a great place to learn about trains. They had a huge old steam engine. It was unreal what it took to get this machine down the track.

KentGlenstedMo

This is a real Railroad Museum. It has several locomotives one can climb into and view the cab. There are several other cars and equipment to view also. I feel it is on of the better ones, from 40 years experience of visiting RR museums.

621scotth

I won't every one to know that the Arkansas Railroad Museum is a Hidden Gem in Pine Bluff Ar. It is filled with AMAZING Railroad History The Volunteers are WONDERFUL AND FULL OF RAILROAD KNOWLEDGE, So when in Pine Bluff Ar. please visit The Arkansas Railroad Museum. You won't be disappointed ! Also the !9th Annual Railroad Train Show is Saturday April the 5th, 2014 From 9am to 4 pm Several operating train layouts , All scales from N to G is for sale and anything related to railroading ( lanterns, china, books, ect). Also a H.O. Scale Miniature Carnival will be on Display (Razorback Amusements). Admission For Train show is $5..00 for Adults , Children 6 to 12 $ 2.00 Under 6 free This is the only day They charge Admission. For Info Call (870) 535-8819

roger_osteen

Whilst I couldn't find as much to do in Pine Bluff as other places in Arkansas, this museum is one of the things I went there for. You take a self-guided tour into train compartments and gain an understanding of the history of the cotton bell and how people who worked for the railroad used to live and work. The technical orders and manuals I found in one of the cabins reminded me a lot of the t.o' s we have to use in the A.F, so that was interesting. Like I've already said, if you're into trains, or have children who would be interested, then it's worth a stop.

chris62234

My family of four went not expecting much but we were amused with what we found. I must say Bill the gentleman who showed us around is a character all around nice guy. This place is packed with railways history. I was shocked at the fact that you were encouraged to climb aboard and take as many picture as you like. It is free to get in but they do have a donation box to help them pay the expenses. This place is ran by volunteers and they have worked hard to pack it with interesting items. Good Job !!!

jbphillips2001

I visited the Arkansas Railroad Museum last week and found it very interesting. My gg uncle worked for the railroad in Pine Bluff for a time so it was very cool to me. I would imagine children would absolutely love this place. The museum is free to get in and they do allow photos to be taken inside. They do encourage donations (I was told this several times) and I didn't mind placing a few dollars in one of their boxes. The gentlemen working there was eager to answer any questions you might have. Do know that they close early if it's too hot as they do not have air conditioning in 90% of the building.I highly recommend this place if passing through Pine Bluff!

Bowie31

A great under the radar museum that has been put together with the total dedication of some loyal volunteers. Over the years, they have restored an old railroad shop building which houses a great collection of locomotives, including the famed steam locomotive 819. Also contains a great collection of photographs. It is a little hard to find, but pay attention to the signs. It is well worth the trip.

tinarenee71635

This museum has steam engines, one of which is being refurbished, passenger cars and other memorabilia. They even have a small train to carry the kids

RuthQ660

This is a self guided tour with knowledgeable volunteers available to answer questions. The trains on display appeal to all ages. Keep in mind the area has a roof, but minimal heating and cooling.

NathanielB134

If you are in town with kids we suggest you take your kids ( under 10) to this place. Very informative information that your kids can learn which they enjoy a day out . So take your kids there when your are in town to this place

Marc192

Engine 819, Pine Bluff’s legendary queen of steam, weights 368 tons, measures 100 feet from front to back, takes 150 gallons of water and 15 gallons of oil just to run one mile of track. Railroad buffs should not miss it! Volunteer craftsmen, lovingly rebuilt Engine 819, the last 4-8-4 Northern type steam locomotive built in Pine Bluff. Tours are available year-round. The museum also houses passenger cars, cabooses and baggage cars – all restored to their original splendor as well as many artifacts used back in the days of steam engines. Like I say, you must visit this place while you are in Pine Bluff with your children.

ShannonR289

My son loves Thomas the Train. He loved going to the train museum. It's an old warehouse that is stocked full of old train cars. You and your kids can go into the cars. They aren't just box cars. They are passenger cars, etc. They also have train sets that kids love to watch and railroad equipment, signs, etc. Retired engineers and railroad employees volunteer to work the museum. These folks are full of stories and knowledge. Be sure to ask questions. The only downside is the last time we were in there, they did not have air conditioning and there is no place to buy food or drinks.

JCarterWatts

The Cotton Belt Railroad was once the king of the region of Pine Bluff and with its large shops, employed hundreds at one time. The Railroad Museum occupies one of the surviving buildings once used for repairs. Most of the shops are now gone, but the museum is absolutely full of artifacts and actual train engines and cars that can be toured. The 819 locomotive, a large steam locomotive built in Pine Bluff is on exhibit along with most anything you can imagine having to do with the railroad. The operators of the museum have made this a labor of love and you can see it when you visit.

mrbill59

I have been coming here every April for over 10 years. I have always been here during the annual model railroad and railroadina swap meet. I have never actually seen the museum in its natural state because they always have to move some of the exhibits out to put in the swap tables and layouts. Nonetheless, the museum is the only one I know of located in a genuine railroad shops. This sets it apart from almost every other railroad museum in the US. You do not just look at old trains. You learn how trains were built and maintained. I believe locomotive 819 was actually built here It is worth seeing.