Western Railroad Discussion > OERM's past growing problems

As with most all railway museums, there was a rocky beginning -- 

Yes, about thirty years ago we had a well educated person show up, and he was a great organizer. He soon was appointed to manage our rail operations. We slowly discovered that he was going around the museum and causing dissention among the troops, pitting one group against the other, then sitting back and watching the fireworks -- we were all miserable. Once he was extracated most of the infighting disappeared.

This person later went on to LA's Travel Town, employing his talents there and when that all went south, then on to Fullerton station's hoped for giant rail museum. We can still see the extent of that project..

I would bet that all railway museums have had somewhat the same scenario. Most museums are steam and diesel only or all electric. separating factions. OERM has all three -- steam, diesel and electric in three track gauges, and we are now flourishing. Things now are not Utopia, but enjoyable.

Years ago we were just a bunch of kids having fun with their own little railroad. Since 9/11 everything has changed -- and we've gotten much older and wiser also. The railway museum "business" is not an easy thing nowdays. It is a business, and must be run as one, live or die, fun or not.

Somehow the museum isn't as much "fun" as it was sixty years ago, but there is a lot of satisfaction in seeing our progress, and to see visitors enjoying our museum.


Ray Ballash
aka Wattslocal


 

You mean like fifty years ago helping to do the hydro on the Lavino engine?

Out

Does the OERM operates to the downtown Perris commuter station?.

Not yet, still dealing with local politics.

LTCerny Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Does the OERM operates to the downtown Perris
> commuter station?.

Metrolink schedules would not allow any one to use the train from LA or Orange County to come to Perris and the Museum.

Schedules are toward LA in the morning,  back from LA in the PM.

Some day Maybe...do not place any bets yet.  Riverside County who would have to foot most of the cost for more trains, is more interested in Highways.  That's what gets the politicians voted in.

mundo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Metrolink schedules would not allow any one to use
> the train from LA or Orange County to come to
> Perris and the Museum.
>
> Schedules are toward LA in the morning,  back
> from LA in the PM.
>
> Some day Maybe...do not place any bets yet. 
> Riverside County who would have to foot most of
> the cost for more trains, is more interested in
> Highways.  That's what gets the politicians voted
> in.

Especially since their past highway projects haven't done much good.
The 91 through Corona is still a mess even after 5 years of construction and who knows how many millions were thrown at it.

Given the threats I have recieved from a  member I do not support this organization.  Infact I have expressed my concerns to the SPH&TS about moving the library there because of this issue.. I see this organization and others needing to work on becomming more professional before I will darken the door

Dreamer