Western America Railroad Museum

History

The Western America Railroad Museum Systems Corporation (WARM) is a non-profit tax exempt California Corporation, incorporated on January 15th, 1990, dedicated to the collection and preservation of railroad history and related historical items.

Mission

The objective is to provide historical displays and educational forums that focus on both railroad history and the technological development of the railroad industry. The emphasis encompasses not only the past, but the present and future as well, realizing that such a broad scope is essential to understanding the role of railroading in Western America.

About WARM

WARM houses displays in an authentic railroad depot with indoor displays of railroad artifacts, artwork, timetables, uniforms, tools and various other types of railroad items.

Outdoor displays of rolling stock, locomotives and general railroad operating equipment offer opportunity for visitors to see, up close, railroad equipment normally viewed from a distance. Additional outdoor displays include maintenance of way, signaling and track equipment displayed in traditional context or interpretive manner.

A portion of the museum will be dedicated to enabling visitors to view various machinations of work such as, welding, grinding, cutting, painting and woodworking used in every day railroad maintenance and repair of equipment and right of way. The creation of interpretive and hands on displays enhance the visitors experience and further the educational value.

The creation of an "interesting place to be" in Barstow is the tone of our approach to the museum experience that WARM expects to create. The public is hungry for truly unique experiences in the pursuit of leisure and educational experiences. Artists, craftsmen and musicians will be present, during special activities and other times, on museum grounds as much as possible to create an air of entertainment and broad interest.

Annual events such as a railroad days, military days, model railroad meets, old car club or motorcycle activities are just some of the possible activities that WARM can sponsor. Art shows and other sort of cultural events can also be associated with WARM's venue to add to the overall benefit of WARM's existence.

Rail excursions are a very real possibility as well. Amtrak operates regularly scheduled passenger trains as well as operating occasional "American Orient Express" excursions through Barstow. The possibility of capitalizing on such operations are very real. Additionally, the possibility of operating special excursions out of Barstow to various locations can also be explored.