Cincinnati Railroad Club

A very nice group of members were in Tower A at Union Terminal last month when my family and I went to see the holiday trains. They members present were polite and spent time with my 3 year old son and taught him about the blue reference light. He loves trains (as do I) and it was nice to see these men being kind and helpful to my son as well as to myself and my wife. They also have a terrific library and a terrific display in Tower A.

Started in 1938, Cincinnati Railroad Club was created by a group of rail enthusiasts who organized excursions on the Norfolk Southern Railroads. In 1992, the Museum Center invited the group to occupy Tower A, the main control tower, in Union Terminal. With over 300 members, the group restored the Tower to resemble its original 1933 architecture. The illuminated track diagram board, director’s desk, and rotary candle stick phones still remain intact.
Railroad Club members have a range of expertise, from the 1800’s early iron horse, to trolleys, interurban rails, and the «golden age» of steam engines. As such, the Club maintains an extensive library collection including magazines, annuals, old photographs, and Union Terminal blueprints. While items cannot be lent out, the collection is available for members to read in Tower A on Thursday nights.
Curious about the Railroad Club? Members open their facility to the public on Thursday evenings and weekend afternoons. In addition to seeing spectacular restored architecture from the 1930s, Tower A provides a breathtaking view of the rail yards neighboring Union Terminal. Pictures are encouraged. The Club even has a small gift shop with all sorts of local rail nostalgia for sale. If you’re visiting the Museum Center on the weekend, be sure to stop by Tower A. It’s one of the hidden secrets of our city!
Annual Membership: $ 25.00
Public Admission: FREE