Raymond F. Ratcliffe Memorial Transportation Museum

09/19/2026

Our friends at the Norfolk & Western Historical Society shared the attached photos of Big Spring Mill. These are wonderful images. And the NRV is so happy that the mill is back up and operational, thanks in part to David Hagan. If you would like to learn more about Big Spring Mill, railroad history, or any of the rich heritage of Eastern Montgomery County, please plan a visit to Meadowbrook Museum. That little museum is packed with very interesting items and lots of connected history to our side of river and tracks too.
Mill pictures are from 1935.

09/12/2026

The bright green Illinois Terminal engine just flew through town heading west. That engine is moving fast but shouldn't be too hard to spot.

08/25/2026

Yippie!! We caught NS #1776 heading west through town. This one honor the Liberty Bell. This is a collection of 6 engines NS has to honor our nation's 250th Anniversary. We will keep an eagle eye out in hopes of seeing them all. But this one was exciting to see.

08/15/2026

08/08/2026

One of the new Landmark Series engines just headed through town going east. This one was the "Chicago" 8383. It features the Tuscan Red to Black fade and honors cities that are important in railroad history. The other named ones are the "Birmingham", the "Atlanta", and the "Altoona". I am not sure others are planned but they should consider a "Roanoke". Very pretty engine and nice nod to history as well.

07/31/2026

We have a new car on display. This one from Buick Man Jim Peters collection isn't as old as some of the others, but rather a very interesting modified one. Please drop and take a look at all the unique features on the 1986 El Camino. Jim wanted us to open this one up to really showcase it.

07/17/2026

The shared Railroad history of Pulaski County was included in today for VMT's Rail Camp.

07/11/2026

The pretty Virginian traveling through on Friday.

07/03/2026

We are pretty cool!! Join us in an air conditioned area at 4pm at the Train Station to leave your mark on history by painting one of the few remaining tiles to become part of Pulaski County's 250th Mural. Then at 5pm sit back and relax at the museum as you enjoy "Resolved to Live & Die: The Revolutionary Roots of Southwest Virginia". The documentary is only 1 hour long giving you plenty of time to get to Calfee Park for the rest of the activities.