The Railway Coastal Museum opens today for the summer season with a brand new addition to the collection.
A pump car and speeder have been loaned to the museum by Trevor Coft and J.P. Coady.
The pump car is estimated to have been built around 1915 and is one of only two known to be original to the island.
The speeder was built in the 1950s and is still operational.
Croft says it’s important to show all sides of the railway’s history.
He says the two pieces were important to track maintenance. He says many speeders you see are in rough shape, so it is important for him to display his fully functional piece.
General Manager Sherry Welsh says they’re delighted to receive the donations for the summer season.
She says she’s wanted a speeder since she started at the museum because kids will love it. She says it enhances the space they currently have.
The future of the Railway Coastal Museum looked uncertain last year but was secured earlier this year through a business plan that was approved by council.
Chair Ron Penney acknowledged the work of the museum’s new board and funding support provided by the provincial government and generous donations, which have been matched by the city of St. John’s up to $10,000.
We’re ‘Pumped’ for our new pump car and speeder exhibit! Be sure to check it out when we re-open this Saturday, June 26th from 10 am to 5 pm! General admission rates apply @CityofStJohns @ConnectStJohns pic.twitter.com/a2G7ulpZZQ
— RailwayCoastalMuseum (@nlrailwaymuseum) June 24, 2021
