Wish List

At the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, we are passionately committed to preserving the rich railroad history of northwest Indiana. Our museum thrives on the generosity and support of our community and rail enthusiasts like you. Every donation, big or small, helps us in our mission to maintain and enhance our exhibits, restore historic railroad equipment, and educate future generations about the fascinating world of railroads.

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is always seeking new donations. If you have an item on our wish list that you'd like to donate, please contact us. We would love to discuss how your item can be a part of our museum's story.

The HVRM Wish List

• Locomotives: Operational or serviceable diesel-electric switcher-type and road-use locomotives. Four axle units are preferable, but we would consider a 6-axle unit.
• Freight Cars: Cabooses, box cars, gondolas, tank cars, open-top hoppers, covered hoppers, flat cars, refeers and many other types of freight equipment. 
• Passenger Cars: HVRM currently lacks an operational fleet of passenger equipment. In order to grow and prosper, the museum needs passenger cars of all types, but we would like to acquire several open-window coaches.
• Shop Tools & Machines: The museum would consider the donation of car jacks, welding equipment & supplies, hand tools, drills, rotary grinders, metalworking tools, cutting torches, air hoses, extension cords, forklifts, jib cranes, overhead cranes, parts bins, tool storage boxes and more. Woodworking tools and equipment can also come in handy since many of our projects include a fair amount of woodworking.
• Track Maintenance Equipment: The museum desperately needs track maintenance equipment to continue our operations. Right now, the museum could definitely use a smaller tamper, tie inserter/remover, and a spike drivers/puller. Of course, we would also accept the donation of other on-track equipment such as tie cranes, undercutters, track inspection vehicles, switch tampers, ballast regulators, ballast hoppers and more.
• Construction Equipment: As the museum continues to grow and expand, our older equipment has proven itself to be less than adequate in some situations. The museum would greatly appreciate the donation one or more pieces of heavy construction equipment. Backhoes, loaders, dump trucks, and excavators would be very valuable additions.
• Railroad Memorabilia and Artifacts: Old signs, tools, uniforms, and other items that hold historical significance.
• Restoration Supplies: Paint, lumber, metal, and other materials needed for restoring historic trains and maintaining our facilities.
• Landscaping Tools: Equipment and supplies to maintain the museum's outdoor areas, ensuring a welcoming and beautiful space for our visitors.

Thank You for Your Support!

Your support is not just a donation; it's a legacy that ensures the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum continues to celebrate and preserve our railroad heritage for years to come. Thank you for joining us in this journey!