The Cincinnati Railroad Club rolled its Railway Express Agency baggage cart and some railroad artifacts into Union Terminal on Saturday, August 31, 2024 to participate in the Cincinnati Museum Center’s annual 1940s Day event.
Getting the baggage cart, which was used at Cincinnati Union Terminal before passenger service ended and the concourse was torn down, was somewhat of a challenge for our volunteers. With the main freight elevator at CUT out of service for 1940s Day, Scott Smith and Dave Bossart managed to squeeze it into the main elevator (we measured earlier to make sure it would fit).
The club’s headlight and number plate for Louisville & Nashville Railroad ‘Big Emma’ No. 1962 were placed on the bed of the baggage cart and, much to our surprise, after being in storage for 6 years, shined brightly throughout the day. Our Cincinnati Union Terminal dwarf signal, which controlled train movements for Track 15 in the CUT railyard out back, was placed near the front of our display, lighting up & cycling through the various signal aspects.
Board member Pam Moleski created signage with information about the artifacts in our display, including a photo display of Big Emma 1962 with photos provided to us by the L&N Railroad Historical Society. Charlie Bogart drove up from Frankfort, KY and stayed at the display all day talking to and having his photo taken with visitors. We also sold railroad maps and CUT books during the event. Club members Charlie Bogart, Jim Corbett, and Lee Drake dressed the part in period railroad conductor and brakeman attire. Many other club members staffed our display throughout the day, sharing stories about the railroad, Union Terminal, information about the club, and more which helped our display stand out.
Member Jonathan Higgins of Train Aficionado created a video covering the event, which you can view on the club’s YouTube channel.
