BLUEGRASS RAILROAD MUSEUM excursion train at Milner, Kentucky, pulled by Illinois Central Gulf (ICG) 7738. To the right of the locomotive is a whistle board, 5-mile poll and a yard board. On the left, at the rear of the train, is an advance on grade railroad warning sign with a crossbuck beyond. (Photo submitted)

By Charles H. Bogart

Special to the Sun

Fifty years ago, in 1976, a group of Central Kentucky rail fans formed the Bluegrass Railroad Museum (BGRM). They purchased 5.5 miles of Southern Railway track, a former Louisville Southern Railroad, between Versailles and the Kentucky River that terminates at the abandoned Young’s Bridge built in 1889.

They also purchased a five-acre site at Woodford County Falling Spring Park and built a replica depot and railyard. For “motive” power, they acquired a Fairbanks Morse H12-44 from the U.S. Army Bluegrass Ordnance Facility at Richmond, Kentucky. To carry passengers for rides and to promote their love of trains, three former Central of New Jersey commuter coaches were purchased.

Since 1976, the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad, the operating arm of BGRM, has been providing passenger excursion service over this 5.5 miles of track every Saturday from April to November at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The BGRM locomotive fleet has been expanded to include: two Alco MRS-1 cars, a GE 45-tonner, an Illinois Central Gulf GP-8 and a Norfolk Western GP-9. Passenger cars now include two Lackawanna commuter coaches, a Chicago & Northwestern 3478, an Atlantic Coast Line 203 and two in-house built open-air cars running on ex-Army flatcars.

BGRM constructed a depot and museum that meets ADA requirements. It has erected on the property a car barn, a freight car display area and a rail car storage yard.

Around the depot, a number of outdoor railroad-related displays have been placed. This includes a wooden “play” train for children to pretend on that was built by a young lady as her Eagle Scout project two years ago.

The rail line, which was a marginally FRA Class One track when purchased, is now fully Class One, with some sections meeting Class Two requirements.

All three wooden trestles have been rebuilt, and Abbot Station, a flag stop, has been constructed. The scenic railroad continues to run excursions at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays, April through October. BGRM has also acquired a tenant, Rail Adventures, which provides leg-muscle-powered scooters to ride over the rail line.

For a fun and educational experience, which shows off some of the special beauty of southern Woodford County, with a dramatic view of the Kentucky River across from Anderson County, come ride our train.