Brownwood City Council gave the green light to the construction of a new mini-railroad attraction at the Martin & Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum to be built later this year.
This new 7 ½ gauge mini-railroad will include five cars and will be capable of carrying up to three passengers on each car. The project is expected to be completed and operational by September, in time for the Brownwood Reunion Celebration.
The estimated cost of the mini-train project is $59,645 which will be part of the $2 million Certificate of Obligation that was authorized in 2002 to be used for various community development programs including restoring the railroad collection at the Martin & Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum. There is $83,344 remaining in this fund before approval of this project.
Once operational, the recommended price per ride will be $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for kids. Fees for parties will also be established.
The project consists of constructing a train track in the shape of a figure eight on the existing concrete slab east of the train museum; purchase and install a 20’x50’ train shed with roll-up doors to serve as a tunnel and storage for the trains; construct fencing, an ADA track loading platform with an awning and deck, and an ADA sidewalk; install benches, tables, signage, and historic rail signals along the track; and the installation of a small playground with a train theme.
“The big thing is going to be handicapped accessibility so no matter who you are, you can ride this,” said museum curator Mary Irving. “The playground will be handicapped accessible as well.”
Pictured above from left to right are Mary Irving, Lehnis Railroad Museum Curator and Lehnis Railroad Museum Advisory Board members Roger Levesque, Candace Cooksey Fulton, and Frank Hilton.
