Here's a neat little museum that is just a bit off the beaten path.  It is a fairly new place, and its core is the memorabilia collection of a retired railroad worker and his wife, Martin and Frances Lehnis.  In talking with the admissions lady when I visited, evidently Mr. Lehnis amassed a large collection of RR items, including 2 RR cars, and kept it all at his farm.  He made a deal with the city of Brownwood to donate it all to them if they would find a place to house it.  The city got a state grant, and built a museum to house the collection, along with model RR displays and an old depot.  





From the museum's website:

"A rich collection of railroad memorabilia and equipment are contained in the main museum building. The building itself was built to replicate many aspects of railroad history within its modern design. Displays highlight the building of the local railroad, and railroad men. Learn the history of the railroad in America, and why it was, and continues to be, an important part of our collective history.

An extensive collection of operating model train layouts of all sizes create a world of miniature railroads inside the building.

The Lehnis Museum maintains a collection of china and silverware from railroad dining cars. It is a reflection of the glory days of train travel when travel by rail meant elegance."

http://www.brownwoodtexas.gov/237/Whats-Here


One of the outside displays, the Pullman Business Car.  According to the information sign, this was used by RR company executives to travel to different districts.  They would travel in this car, and would live there parked on a siding while they conducted their business.




Here is the outside depot, with displays on how small town train travel happened.




Interestingly, and not a part of the museum, is the old train depot in town that is right across the street.  Built in 1909, the Santa Fe style depot and its attached Harvey House are used for rental functions and to house the town Chamber of Commerce.  The old steam engine is located away from the museum as well, and I do wonder why they did not move it to join the rest of the rolling stock.




Anyway, the Lehnis Museum is a neat place, and worth a stop if you are traveling through that area.

neat

Cool!

Thank you for calling this to attention!

Road trip!