Railroad Museum of New England

The Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston is a museum that collects and displays over 60 full-sized railroad vehicles from various regional operators. The collection includes locomotives, freight cars, and passenger cars that show how railroad transportation evolved.

The site centers on Thomaston Station, built in 1881, where the museum preserves the operational history of regional railroads. The station was restored after a fire in the 1990s that had damaged the structure.

The museum connects visitors with regional transportation heritage through excursions on rail routes that date back to the 1800s. These journeys follow paths that have been integral to the area's development for generations.

Train rides operate only during warmer months from May through December, and journeys last several hours. It is recommended to check which routes are available beforehand and plan for outdoor riding conditions.

The museum houses New Haven #0401, the first preserved cab-type diesel locomotive of its kind in the United States. This locomotive is considered a milestone in the history of modern locomotive design and draws interest from train enthusiasts across the country.