Enthusiasts flock to Tucumcari Railroad Museum

A convention at the Tucumcari Railroad Museum this weekend gave railroad enthusiasts a chance to find, trade and buy new historic treasures, meet fellow enthusiasts and preserve New Mexico's railroad history.

The east wing of the museum located inside the Tucumcari Railroad Depot was filled with displays, merchandise from railroad memorabilia and date nail collectors.

"Conventions like this are held across the nation bringing together railroad enthusiast from all corners of the nation," said Randy Dunson of Portales.

Dunson was one of more than 10 collectors at the two-day event. He said one of the best parts of traveling to different states is the chance at finding a piece of railroad memorabilia that you may have sought or didn't know existed.

"I had a feeling that I would be doing more buying than selling this weekend, and I was right," said Dunson. "I found some little treasures I just had to have."

Dunson said he enjoyed his time at the train depot, as the residents of Tucumcari and the officials with the museum know how to make guest feel welcome. He said the facility is a wonderful tribute to the history of New Mexico's railroads.

There have been visitors from numerous states come out to the museum to view the exhibits and the convention, said Mike Lucero, the museum's executive director.

"I have never been to the museum before, it is wonderful," said Marietta Miller, Logan resident.

Miller said she was unaware that there was such an extensive museum with exhibits at the depot. She said after seeing a mention about the event on social media she decided to check it out.

"I'm glad I came," Miller said. "I got a chance to visit this lovely museum and found a Christmas gift at the convention."

Lucero said visitors have been asked to sign a piece of particle board, listing their name and where they are from.

David Alexander of Roswell said he and a few friends decided to skip a day out at his second home near Ute Lake and visit the museums in Tucumcari. He said after visiting the railroad museum he knows he made the right choice.

"It is a wonderful museum and it gives me high expectations on the rest of the museums and attractions Tucumcari has to offer," Alexander said.

The museum continues to operate under its summer hour schedule open of noon-5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Recently Vicki Watson assumed the duties of chairman and president of the museum board after founding member, chairman and president Frank Turner took a step back from those duties.

The annual Tucumcari Railroad day will be held Oct. 27-28.