BONSAL, N.C. — The North Carolina Railway Museum is seeking funds to rescue 10 railcars from a disconnected siding at a nuclear power plant near New Hill, N.C., for eventual use on the museum’s New Hope Valley Railway.
Nearly $100,000 must be raised to save the cars, which include two cabooses being donated by Duke Energy, operator of the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant. Those cabooses have features such as kitchens, bathrooms, air conditing, and electrical generators. The museum currently owns no other equipment with these features, and believes these cars could offer a unique riding experience.
“Donations and funds generated from rides enable our volunteers to preserve railroad history and improve the railway,” Tom Hutchinson, New Hope Valley Railway marketing representative, said in a press release. “Our revenue significantly decreased last year after canceling most of our ride season due to the pandemic, so we’re seeking donations to help save these unique pieces of North Carolina railroad history.”
More information about the effort and ways to contribute are available here. Sponsor-level incentives for larger donations range from 10 free train tickets to a private charter train ride day with 12 Operate-a-Loco sessions.
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