Wm. F. Ross Special Mini Train Inaugural Run 10/19 at The National Museum of Transportation

ST. LOUIS - Oct. 11, 2024 - PRLog -- The Wm. F. Ross Special miniature train is a replica of the Jupiter engine. The Jupiter was a 4-4-0 steam locomotive owned by the Central Pacific Railroad. It made history when it joined the Union Pacific No. 119 at Promontory Summit, Utah, during the Golden Spike Ceremony commemorating the completion of the first transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869.

"We are hosting Trick-or-Track on October 19th.  Trick-or-treating around the Museum is a favorite activity for the kids in our community.  And, hosting an inaugural run of this beautiful new engine is quite the treat, too," stated Terri McEachern, Executive Director - The National Museum of Transportation "It will certainly be a fun-filled family day!"

Wm. F. Ross's autograph adorns the replica of the Jupiter engine.  It's a signature that Dr. Darryl Ross, President of The National Museum of Transportation Board of Directors, knows well.  "I've seen it many times," Ross said of his father's distinctive mark.  "He would give me motivational notes when I was in school.  He always signed them 'Wm. F. Ross.'"  The idea of honoring his dad's memory by placing his name on the engine appealed to Ross.  "I wanted to honor my dad and financially help the Museum," Ross said.

The Museum, voted this year as one of the 'Top Five Best Open Air Museums' in the Country by USA Today readers,  is open Wednesday-Sunday from 9 am - 4 pm and located at 2933 Barrett Station Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122.  Admission and miniature train ride fee and operating information may be found at tnmot.org.

The National Museum of Transportation houses 'one of the largest and best collections of transportation vehicles in the world,' according to representatives from the Smithsonian Institution.  The Museum is a 501(c)(3) relying solely on the generous support of the community to preserve the past for the next generations.  The Museum is located at 2933 Barrett Station Road, Kirkwood, MO  63122.