chehalis-centralia railroad and museum

Railroading requirement 8b states:
1. Visit a railroad museum, historical display, or a prototype railroad-sponsored public event. With permission, photograph, videotape, or sketch items of interest. Explain what you saw and describe your photos, sketches, or videotape.
2. Purchase tickets and ride a scenic or historic railroad. Under supervision, photograph the equipment and discuss with your counselor the historic significance of the operation.

Yes, you can do this via the web. Resist the urge to take the easy way out! The drive to Chehalis is easy (I-5 to exit 77), and the trip well worth it! A trip to the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum covers both the requirements in 8, plus you’ll have an opportunity to conduct interviews (3d) with your choice of railroad employees. Who better to learn from than someone whose life’s passion is the railroad?

The museum is small, but well laid out. Make sure and take enough time looking around to find out its historical significance, and talk with the ladies behind the counter (one used to lay track for the Snoqualmie railroad).

Train trips run at 1, 3, and 5 on Saturdays. The 5:00 one is longer and runs along the river. It’s a few dollars more expensive and a half hour longer (1:15 vs 1:45). Rides are out-and-back, with the engine switching sides halfway through. This is beautiful country, and a gorgeous, relaxing trip. Indoor, outdoor-covered, and outdoor-open seats are available.

If you have the time, there is an excellent Veteran’s Memorial Museum next door. There is a nominal fee which is well worth it ($3 for the boys at time of writing). You could make a [long] day out of the two museums, and cover many of your American Heritage requirements at the same time. Again, the greatest benefit here is getting to talk to the veterans.

If you’re interested in stacking badges, this could also be a great trip for Photography. The Scouts will already be taking photos of the train and museum for their requirements. If they learn about photo techniques beforehand, not only will they get better pictures, but they’ll fulfill the photojournalist essay requirement. If they learn proper story writing beforehand, they can include the pictures and a story, submit it to their council or other news agency, and fulfill the main Journalism requirement. And so on, and so forth

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