Just returned from the opening of the Port Jervis Transportation Center located in the Erie yards. There are currently 20 pieces of historic railroad equipment on site, owned by several different non-profit organizations. The exhibits that can be visited have all been developed by volunteers working tirelessly since December of 2021.
Trains that are opened to the public are:
The Museum boxcar - This contains a large display of railroad memorabilia covering the timeline of the railroad history in Port Jervis. There are plaques of the Erie Limited Honor Roll, photos, benches, and an exhibit created in memory of Ms. Irene Hoppey.
Operation Toy Train theater boxcar -which contains a theater showing videos of railroad operations from the 1940s to the 1970s.
Chessmen System caboose - a caboose from 1980 whose interior has been restored.
Lackawanna Railroad dining car - which operated through Port Jervis regularly during the late 1960s.
Nickel Plate Road Sleeping car - learn how the public traveled overnight in the heyday of rail transportation.
In addition to touring the cars and viewing the exhibits, you can buy lunch in the dining car. There are exhibitors from other railway preservation groups sharing information about neighboring railroads. Many other items are displayed, such as the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey circus car complete with the whistle that still works quite well a steam calliope, and a TUG rail car mover to name a few. The group has many more plans for the center and is more than willing to answer any questions you may have.
The entrance fee is $5.00 for folks over twelve, under twelve is free. The center is open today until five, May 29th, and again tomorrow from 10 am to 5 pm. They are going to be open every weekend from now on.
