paducah railroad museum

In August of 2014 I stopped volunteering for the Paducah Railroad Museum because their Directors are only there to take and never give back; to never accept responsibility for their actions, but to blame everyone else instead of themselves; to give orders, but never to do any actual work; to ask “what is in it for us?” versus “what can we do for you?”I designed, built, and installed the locomotive simulator (at my own expense of $4,500) and was the top volunteer for many years running (1860+hours in 2013); I also gave them $3000 in cash which paid for new carpeting among other things. Every time I showed up to be the simulator operator and docent, it cost me $20 in gasoline and 2 1/2 hours of travel. After nearly 3 years of doing this without remuneration or even a "thank you," I had to stop. The only reason that I stayed active so long, was that I cared about the visitors. If you advertise an attraction like the simulator, someone has to be there to show it off. And if a tourist goes miles out of their way to come visit (and many came from 100's of miles away), then you are duty bound to be there. Sadly, it seemed, I was the only volunteer who really cared... but as a senior citizen on a fixed income, the burden was too much.....If you read the other reviews, the decline began immediately after I stopped supporting this museum. It has reverted back to being the "ho-hum" place that it was before I joined in September of 2011. The simulator sits dark and unused, except on rare occasions. The CTC machine also sits dark and unused despite my restoration of it to working order. Immediately upon my leaving, they embarked upon the construction of a model train layout - but it is still unfinished, with pieces scattered about the exhibit hall. Why? No one there now really wants to put any real effort, money, or care into the place.I still care, and I cry real tears as I write this review. They had a good thing going, but they just didn't care. Volunteers do it for the "fun" of it. But it stopped being "fun" when I had to do it all without any real support from the other Directors and Officers. They readily took my money and my labor, but they never even said "thank you." And because I was openly critical of how they ran the place, I was bullied and eventually "locked out" so that even if I wanted to return and run the simulator, I cannot.Note to TripAdvisor: Yes, I have a personal involvement with this place. But I felt that an explanation and personal apology was owed to the general public and the patrons of TripAdvisor.By the way: The Illinois Central Mikado locomotive #1518 on the Paducah waterfront does NOT belong to the Paducah Railroad Museum nor does the museum contribute to its upkeep (and never has). This despite #1518 being featured on the outdoor signage at the museum.

that is assembled in no real order w/ little or no explanation of what you are viewing. There is supposed to be a locomotive simulator but the person who runs it decided not to be there that day so it was not open (w/ no reduction in entrance fee however and much grumbling by those who WERE there about his not being there) and a couple of model trains that did not work. There are a lot better RR museums w/ much friendlier, knowledgeable, & helpful staff out there so I would pass on this one. The most interesting thing about the museum is the locomotive outside that you can visit for free.

There was little here to justify the $5 admission fee. According to the man at the desk, the simulator operator "got a bug up his butt" and took his toys and went home. There were a few pieces of railroad art that were moderately interesting and a several maintenance/inspection vehicles, but no other rolling stock on display on the museum grounds. The money guy had some vague comments about things they were going to be doing so maybe our admission fee will benefit future visitors. One can only hope. Worth a look, about 2 blocks from the museum, is a static display of an Illinois Central Mikado belonging to the city of Paducah but maintained by the museum along with a baggage car and caboose. My overall suggestion would be to visit the loco display but skip the museum itself.

A so so railroad museum, all the usual stuff. The exciting part of the visit was to be the railroad simulator, where you get to "drive" a freight train in a simulator built by a local guy.Unfortunately, he no longer finds it convenient to commute down to run it, and they won't allow you in by yourself.The museum is in a big, hollow old building and the six old folks who sat up front behind the reception desk made so much noise all trying to talk over each other that I was really annoyed by the time we left.

There used to be several model railroaders who could also talk about the history of railroading. However, now there are just two gentlemen who are not always there. Best to find out when someone will be present before going.

A typical railroad museum with local artifacts of rr's in the area. The hands on locomotive simulator is surprising realistic and well worth the time.

Enjoyed a couple of hours here and especially liked the railroad simulator which lets you drive a goods train based on an actual cab. The guy that showed us how to drive the train had built it himself and made it such fun. The simulation is so life like. Shame about the deer we ran over!!

Spent nearly an hour with former train engineer John in the cab of the simulator as he drove us through Indiana. Totally fascinating for the four of us as we learned what a train engineer does and sees. John also showed us some things he is working on for the future.

My wife & I were spending the weekend in Paducah/Metropolis and stopped here for a visit. It is not a large place but does have a great collection of train artifacts including photos, maps, signals, lanterns etc. The real highlight is the locomotive simulator where the operator sits in the cab of an engine and actually runs the train....great for all ages.

Even if you are not into trains, you should stop in and check it out. A lot of interesting items and a great model train set up. Worth the time.

For railroad buffs, this museum is NOT to be missed. Their square footage is impressive. The most outstanding feature, besides the displays and models, is the RR simulator. You sit in a recreated cab of the freight locomotive and have full control of speed, horn and braking as you watch a projected real time simulation of going down the tracks. Too much fun.

If you are interested in railroads at all (skip it if you're not), then you will love this place. I would recommend it for kids ages 8 and up (younger if very well-behaved). Great history of Paducah-area railroads, unique artifacts, a locomotive simulator, and a large train layout: these are only a few of the displays at the museum. Plan on 30-60 minutes.

This museum was small, but worth the small price of admission. The simulator alone was a lot of fun! It was really cool to get to "drive" a train in real life situations. The kids loved it!!

We stopped in for my son who is 4 years old. He enjoyed the model trains that were running and the thomas train they had that ran but that was it. Everything else is for adult interest. We were told he was too young to drive the train. Like I said if you like trains and the history of them go it is for you! But I just wanted something fun for my little guy he is the one that loves the trains!

Saw the steam train behind museum train was neat but was in need of maintence people have stolen stuff off of it It needs a paint job would be nice to climb up in it walk threw cars Didn't get to go threw museum cause hrs was only 12-4 on wed -frid would like to have seen it