The train show and sale will be inside the old freight room at the West Point Depot Visitor Center and Museum, with participation by vendors, collectors and operators of all model gauges. The East Alabama Model Railroad club is sponsoring a “Best of Show” trophy for the event. Club members also will operate the depot’s model Chattahoochee Valley Railroad layout.
The first full-length motion picture ever produced will be shown on the depot’s big screen. The 1903 silent movie, “The Great Train Robbery,” lasts 11 minutes and will be shown at the top of each hour. In addition, footage of the Chattahoochee Railway’s final run in 1992 will be shown.
A special exhibition and sale of train art will be inside the depot’s museum room. Nationally noted train artist Robert West will be joined by local artists Tawana Bradford and Jeanette Mason. In addition, the depot’s gift shop will celebrate its grand opening.
Known in the railroad industry as “the painter of trains,” West has spent more than 25 years as a railroad illustrator. As a child, West developed a love for locomotives, listening to stories told by his grandfather, a Pullman porter. Today, West’s paintings grace the halls of the nation’s top railroad corporations. One of West’s current works depicts the West Point Depot and an A&WP engine.
Visitors will be able to meet West and view his original artwork and prints. Some of his works will be offered for sale.
An arts and crafts fair will be outdoors on the depot grounds, along with food vendors, children’s rides and games.
Admission to Depot Day is free.
The depot, on U.S. 29 at the Georgia/Alabama line, was restored more than seven years ago after the building had fallen into disrepair. It now serves as a visitors center and museum for not just train artifacts but local history. The grounds includes a WestPoint Stevens’ box car and a train caboose outfitted as a children’s museum.
Admission to Depot Day is free. Guests may register to win two adult tickets offered by the SAM Shortline Excursion Train in Cordele.
The depot, on U.S. 29 at the Georgia/Alabama line, was restored more than seven years ago after the building had fallen into disrepair. It now serves as a visitors center and museum for not just train artifacts but local history. The grounds includes a WestPoint Stevens’ box car and a train caboose outfitted as a children’s museum.
Two other events are on tap in West Point. A car show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday will be held in the parking lot along Second Avenue and U.S. 29 and on the depot grounds.
And a dusk showing of the movie “Up” will be shown tonight at 8th Street and Third Avenue. Tickets for $2 go on sale at 5 p.m., and popcorn and soft drinks will be provided by local Boy Scouts.
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