McComb, Mississippi was once a significant railroad town, with the mighty Illinois Central Railroad having a strong presence in the city. While the turntable, roundhouse and various shop buildings are long gone, the depot still remains, and housed within one of its rooms is a small railroad museum.

On the south side of the building Illinois Central locomotive #2542 is on display. In tow behind the 4-8-2 Mountain is a string of cars from the railroad’s past. In October of 2015 Ron Findley and I visited the facility to check out the progress there. Under the recently extended shelter we found some of the early samples of the museum’s collection: the I.C.’s experimental aluminum reefer (refrigerated car), an old passenger coach, an RPO (Railway Post Office) car, and a caboose. Down beyond the shelter is one of the railroad’s wrecking derricks and its attendant boom/tool car.

Things are a bit weathered in this view, but over the next several years all would be freshened up with repairs and new paint. In addition, more cars and items have been added including an “ancient” business/inspection car that has been cosmetically restored. The entire display and surrounding area keeps expanding, and looks in much better shape than what is seen in this image.