The Whitewater Valley Railroad is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. The proceeds from the a Day Out With Thomas event go right back into the railroad helping us to achieve our mission of preserving the past. Below is a list of projects in which proceeds from the event have helped us to accomplish. Most of the projects also have helped to improve the A Day Out With Thomas event each year.

Pullman Car Musina This is a 1912 Pullman Car in which the Whitewater Valley Railroad has paid for the purchase and transport. We expect to see the car on WVRR rails in the near future.

Dearborn Tower Project 2006 Update - Most of the exterior work has been completed and interior restoration has begun with second level floors and walls. In July of 2003, after hard work from several members of the Railroad, the Dearborn tower was moved from Lawrenceburg, Indiana to our south Connersville yard. Thanks to a grant from the Fayette County Foundation for the move, and CSX for the donation of the tower itself. Event proceeds have payed the way for the restoration of this beautiful tower as it stood in the earily 1900's. Each Day out with Thomas train ride will pass the tower twice. View Photos of the Move and restoration

Coach 10 Coach 10 was out of service for several years until 2003. We were able to get the funds and volunteers together to complete the coach trucks rebuild. The trucks on a railroad car include the entire assembly that houses the wheels. In the picture you see one truck set being pushed under the waiting coach 10. The coach 10 work included wheels, bearings, journal boxes and crane work (for re-assembly).

Coach Painting Starting in late 2003 and continuing through the present day, the Railroad has been able to complete body work restoration and painting of 4 of our 1930's commuter coaches. Currently coach numbers 7, 10, 1, and 8 have been completed, with several more to be finished as funds and weather permits.

GE 65 Ton Engine In 2004, the Whitewater Valley Railroad was donated a Cummins Powered GE 65 ton switching engine. Proceeds from the Thomas event paid for the move of the locomotive from Cincinnati to Connersville. The GE, or USN #1 as we called it is in active service and paint work is planned for the future. View Photos of the Move

Side Dump Car Truck In late 2004 the Railroad was able to obtain a Side Dump Car Truck. This truck is very useful in that it can travel on a highway and along the rails, without the need to a train crew. Side dump trucks are very useful for delivering Rip-Rap and other types of rock to embankments along our 16 miles of track between Connersville and Metamora. We are now able to re-enforce areas of our track along the river with added flexibility and reduced costs.

Thomas Train Operations Before the 2003 Day Out with Thomas event, our track crew was able to install spring switches at the north and south ends of our South Connersville yard. This enables the use of a passing track for the Thomas train and the Caboose train without having volunteers throw the switches as the trains pass. This along with new ties has allowed our Thomas excursion to be extended almost an extra mile south of the our yard. Our Thomas ride is 4 miles round trip, and runs 25-30 minutes. Make sure to check out our restoration area, and new museum grounds