While PLATFORMCAR has raised issues regarding the deplorable state of affairs at the Railroad Museum of Greater Cincinnati, I thought I would post some photos of another Ohio museum, the Mad River & NKP museum in Bellevue, OH.

I don't know what is in the water in Bellevue, but these people have managed to keep dozens of pieces of equipment in excellent condition, even considering none are stored inside and are subjected to the harsh Ohio winters.

Thank you Stationary Steam..... for your wise comments on Cincinnati ( in the other posting ) and the photographs of Bellevue and your desire to draw some comparisons... Amazing how other groups succeed and solve the problems of outdoor displays, paint, visitor accommodations while others seem to learn little from the success ( and failures ) of others...

Expecting a place to change, that for 25 years has declined, ( and for some to come to their defense ) is astonishing... Change requires vision, and requires effort.

Those small museums, no matter in Bellevue, North Judson, Golden, Whippany, etc deserve enormous amounts of credit and support.... They have succeeded due to their management, their volunteers, those that make difficult decisions, fund raise, and have embraced the communities that have come to look at these establishments as valuable to the community.....

Unfortunately, the pounding of weather and neglect on a heavyweight that likely now came out of service nearly 50 years ago, requires these items to have a caretaker.. .It's true for a wooden 1950's Matthews boat, a 1950 Pontiac, or a wooden depot... Those in Bellevue and other smaller locations that share their dedication, simply understand how to maintan objects in their care.

Those in Bellevue deserve all the positive recognition and acknowledgement and support that can be offered....

.... and thank you for your posting


Dean Levin

> I don't know what is in the water in Bellevue

It ain't the water; it's the heart and soul and desire of everyone who has had a part in the effort. Organizations like this are the model everyone should adopt to model their groups after.

What a wonderful collection! It is nice to see equipment so well maintained and grounds which are equally well-cared for. Perhaps their next capital fundraiser should be for a building fund so that their equipment can remain in the excellent condition exhibited in these photographs.

The Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum is very good museum, not that far NS & WLE action in Bellevue. The last time I was there was back in 1993, when the NRHS Bluewater Chapter charter a NS Steam excursion with NKP 587 from Melvindale, MI (Oakwood Yd.) to Bellevue, OH. I would like to go back there someday.