Toledo Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum

09/01/2026

Do you remember riding the Bluebird as a kid?

The horn over the Maumee. The seats shaking. A grandparent pointing out the window.

A lot of you have been saying the same thing: we can’t wait to ride this again. We hear you. Help make those lasting memories for your family — and unlock the enduring love of trains for children of all ages.

C&O 5109 is almost ready. The axle is repaired. The steps and brake rigging are done. Next it goes to Yawberg Road to be serviced and started for the first time in years.

One official step still stands between that engine and legal passenger service: the FRA blue card. Without it, 5109 cannot pull the Bluebird — not even on the first short stretch of Phase I.

This is the historic chance to be on the team that brings it back. We see the excitement. We cannot finish this last step without you.

Read the full update and help certify 5109:

https://tlew.org/help-certify-5109-the-final-step-before-the-bluebird-can-roll-again/

AI disclaimer: we do use AI for certain tasks and creative assistance where historical accuracy isn't necessary.

More photos are available in our other posts. Thank you to our amazing members for your hard work getting 5109 to this point. We couldn't have done it without you.

Paypal campaign link: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=VZ56EEB4WSFY4

At a Glance: Axle repair, hanging steps, and brake rigging on C&O 5109 are complete as of August 29. Next the locomotive moves to Yawberg Road for engine se

08/30/2026

Saturday was a really good work day! Here’s why.

A crew was out at Patton Road putting 5109 back together — our 1953 C&O ALCO S-4 locomotive. They’re getting it ready to move back to the consist at Yawberg Road. The spring plank, stairs, retaining pins, blower bellows, traction motor cables (reconnected and secured), and brake rigging all went back on. Big thanks to Jude, one of our younger members, who spent the day in, around, and under the locomotive documenting the work. One of our members said "we did 4 weekends of work in one day!"

5109 is a big piece of Phase I, so there’s been a lot of focus on getting it reassembled before returning it to the consist down the line. Still ahead: engine inspection and prep, charging the batteries, and testing the air and electrical systems.

Patton Road crew this week: Neil S, Michael C, Terry C, Casey and Heather P, Sawyer H, Jude S, and Durrell J.

Meanwhile Janice H spent the whole day at Saylor Lane (our museum and rail shop facility) mowing. The lawn looks great.

And the motorcar ride team had a steady stream of guests all day. Beautiful weather for a ride across the Maumee on the old Cloverleaf.

Links if you want them:

5109 - https://tlew.org/no-5109-alco/
Phase I - https://tlew.org/resumption-of-train-operations/
Motorcar Ride - https://tlew.org/grand-rapids-motorcar-rides/
See our phase one updates and more on our Youtube channel - https://youtube.com/?si=B97HrNmK2nATK3qN

08/28/2026

We invite everyone out to our motorcar ride this weekend! We should have great weather on Saturday. Unfortunately Sunday looks a bit wet.

This is a ride kids love! Adults get to enjoy a nostalgic ride on the tracks, great views, and a little transportation history.

Follow the link below for pricing, schedule, and location.

History Schedule & Pricing Find Us Welcome to Our Scenic Motorcar Experience 🎉 Motorcar Season is Now Open! Come ride with

08/27/2026

Our mid-season roundtable is up!

Durrell, Sawyer, Michael, and Kurt sit down to talk about what’s been accomplished so far this year, the day-to-day work of keeping the railroad running, and what’s still ahead for 2026.

Honest conversation from the people doing the work.

Watch it here:

08/22/2026

We did close the motor car ride down early due to weather. Tomorrow still appears to be a sunny day and we will be open. We hope to see you then!

08/22/2026

Join the Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum and turn your membership into hands-on volunteering!

Interested in history or media? Are you a mechanic, welder, carpenter, painter, or bring another skill? Bring your skills or be a storyteller of Northwest Ohio's railroad history to curious minds. Even if you don’t feel you have a special skill to offer, you (and your family) still have a purpose here.

TLE&W is where Northwest Ohio’s railroad history resides.

Become a member today:
https://tlew.org/join-the-toledo-lake-erie-western-railway-and-museum/ -to-join

08/21/2026

🚂 Parents — ready for a fun little adventure with the kiddos this weekend?

https://tlew.org/grand-rapids-motorcar-rides/

We’re running the motorcar both days, 12–5 pm!

💳 Adults $6.25 / Kids (3–12) $4.25
💵 Cash prices: Adults $6 / Kids $4

Saturday looks like it could bring some rain and storms mid-afternoon, but Sunday is shaping up nicely. As always, weather permitting — give us a quick call to confirm we’re running: 419-878-2177 (option 2). You’ll be able to reach the ticket agent beginning at 11 am both Saturday and Sunday.

While you’re out here, swing through the shops in Grand Rapids and enjoy Providence Metropark. Perfect family day!

Hope to see you there! 😊

History Schedule & Pricing Find Us Welcome to Our Scenic Motorcar Experience 🎉 Motorcar Season is Now Open! Come ride with

08/19/2026

The Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum is excited to make an organizational announcement. Please go to https://tlew.org/toledo-lake-erie-western-railway-and-museum-announces-organizational-changes/ for the official release and more details.

If you'd like to connect with us for any follow-up questions, please reach out: https://tlew.org/contact-us-at-tlew/