Can’t Make Thursday Evenings? No Problem!
Don’t let a busy schedule keep you from experiencing the heart of Cincinnati’s railroad history! If our Thursday evening meetings don’t quite align with your availability, we’ve got an incredible opportunity for you to seize the chance to explore our club room and immerse yourself in our vast collection of books!

• Discovering a wide variety of railroad books available for purchase, perfect for expanding your collection or finding that unique gift.
• Unwinding in our welcoming club room, a true haven for rail enthusiasts.
• Then, making your way up a short flight of stairs to the legendary Tower A!
• Once you arrive at Tower A, prepare to be captivated by the stunning, panoramic views of the bustling Cincinnati railroad yards! It’s an experience that truly brings the history of railroading to life.

Tower A will be open for your exclusive enjoyment from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

Finding the Cincinnati Railroad Club Room at Union Terminal
When you arrive at the Cincinnati Museum Center (Union Terminal), finding the Cincinnati Railroad Club room is easy!

Simply head straight across the concourse. As you walk, keep an eye out for the restrooms on your left. Directly across from them, on your right, you’ll spot a small alcove with an elevator.

Take this elevator up to the third floor. Once the doors open, our club room will be right there on your right-hand side.

We look forward to seeing you!

Cincinnati Union Terminal Tower A: A Look Inside the Control Center
Tower A was more than just a building; it was the brain of Cincinnati Union Terminal’s intricate rail yard. Its primary function was to control the movement of trains, overseeing the daily journey of up to 216 trains from mainlines to platforms. Much like a modern airport control tower, it ensured the smooth and efficient flow of rail traffic.

Key features and functions of Tower A included:

Electro-pneumatic interlocking machine: This impressive machine, located on the top floor, utilized compressed air and electric signals to operate track switches. It had 231 levers and controlled a complex network of switches, signals, and derails, ensuring that trains moved safely and efficiently through the massive rail yard, which encompassed 94 miles of track across 287 acres.

Centralized control: Before Union Terminal’s construction, Cincinnati was served by multiple, disparate train stations. The “union concept” brought together 13 different rail lines of seven different systems into one consolidated facility. Tower A was vital to managing this complex integration, allowing for a seamless flow of passengers and freight.

Architectural integration: While the primary focus of Tower A was functionality, it was also an integral part of the overall Art Deco design of the terminal. The terminal itself was designed by the New York firm of Alfred Fellheimer and Steward Wagner, with significant aesthetic influence from French-born Philadelphia architect Paul Cret. The design, evolving even during construction, became a testament to the Machine Age, blending engineering efficiency with artistic beauty.

Historical significance: Tower A played a critical role during the terminal’s peak operations, especially during World War II when it handled an average of 30,000 passengers daily.

Post-railroad era: After passenger rail service ceased in 1972 (though it resumed in 1991 with Amtrak’s Cardinal route), the impressive interlocking machine in Tower A was sadly dismantled and relocated, marking the end of an era for its original function.

Tower A Connection to the Cincinnati Railroad Club
Restoration and Stewardship of Tower A: A significant milestone for the Cincinnati Railroad Club was their involvement in the restoration of Tower A. In 1989, club members took out a loan of over $100,000 to fund the restoration of Tower A, coinciding with the opening of the new Cincinnati Museum Center. Following the restoration, the Cincinnati Railroad Club made Tower A its home, offering public tours at no cost for over 25 years. This act demonstrated their dedication to preserving railroad heritage and sharing it with the community.

Continued Presence: While their main meeting room and library were moved to a space just below Tower A in 2022, the CRRC continues to meet regularly at Cincinnati Union Terminal, often in the historic Newsreel Theater. Their members, who include retired railroad employees, photographers, historians, and enthusiasts, share a passion for full-scale railroading and are dedicated to being good stewards of their historical collections.