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We’re Better Together!


EXPLORING THE COMPLEX WORLD OF HISTORIC RAILWAY PRESERVATION Time for a little Spring Cleaning?


Volunteer Dave Scheiderich uses a power washer to help clean up the exterior of restored Penn Central transfer caboose No. 18526 at the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum near Rochester, N.Y. Performing chores like these on a regular basis helps keep the equipment looking good for the public, and helps fi ght against dirt and corrosion. OTTO M. VONDRAK


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YOU GET ONLY ONE CHANCE to make a good first impression, especially if you are open to the public. As volunteer organizations that de- pend on the support provided by a steady stream of happy customers, it’s vital that we put our best foot forward at all times. Railroads are dirty, rusty, greasy envi- ronments by nature. They are designed to operate in all kinds of weather, year ’round. As railfans, we are a bit more forgiving of a little dirt here, some flaking paint there. We understand this is a normal part of acquiring and maintaining vintage railroad artifacts. Your visitors, however, may not be so kind. Don’t forget that while trains may be the main attraction to you, it’s only one part of the experience for your guests. Take a step back, and try to look around your facility and see it the way a first-time visitor (especially a non-railfan) would view it. Now is the time to get ready for a little “Spring Cleaning” as we approach the warmer months. Your front door: First and foremost, can


visitors find you easily? Does your signage provide clear directions on where to park, and where the main entrance is? Make sure brush and weeds are trimmed back from your sign- posts. If you have grass or lawns surrounding your site, this is the time to make sure your mowers are in good working order. Your local garden center can make suggestions about fertilizers and other ways to keep your lawn looking green and healthy. Greeting your guests: If your location


has an indoor facility, it should be bright and welcoming. The admissions desk should be front and center, with prices clearly posted. Make sure items for display are clearly sepa- rated from the items for sale in your gift shop. If your facility has restrooms, make sure they


are clean and fully stocked. Nothing can ruin a visit quicker than a dirty bathroom. Cleaning your displays: With most lo-


cations closed or operating on a limited basis through the winter months, it’s easy to have dust and dirt build up everywhere. Nothing detracts more from the visitors’ experience than having your displays covered in cobwebs. Use an old mop to clear old webs from hard- to-reach high areas without using a ladder. Get rid of the clutter. Has a printed display yellowed with age, or perhaps is no longer rel- evant? Simply remove it and make plans to replace it with a newer one (this is a great way to get new members involved). At the Rochester & Genesee Valley Rail-


road Museum, where I volunteer, we had a large old 48-star American flag on display in our waiting room for many years. It was hanging there for so long, we never noticed how dingy it had become. One of our volun- teers had it sent out for professional dry cleaning, and the difference was amazing. Outdoor displays: The weather will cer-


tainly take a toll on any outdoor displays, es- pecially if they are not under cover. While a new coat of paint may be out of the question, there are some steps you can take to improve the look of some pieces in the meantime. The purchase or rental of a good power washer is always a good investment. Use it to remove accumulated dirt and grime from the exteri- or. If any areas of bare wood or metal become exposed, make sure they get touched up with paint or primer right away. Use a rust stabi- lizer to keep any bad spots from getting worse. Glass surfaces should be cleaned inside


and out to remove any streaks. Cars that are open to the public should be dusted and vacu- umed. Look for evidence of vermin and other


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