Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum

Bluebird Passenger Train Restoration Project

Phased Resumption of Operations

Current Status (as of January 2026): Phase I remains actively in progress with key track and equipment work underway. All subsequent phases (II, IIa, III, IV) are on hold pending successful completion of Phase I. Expand any phase below to see the planned work ahead.

For the latest video updates on Phase I progress, check out our official Phase I Updates playlist on YouTube: Phase I Updates – Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum. It includes recent videos like the End of 2025 Special Edition, Lifting the 5109, and more workday updates!

PHASE I: Operate a train between Patton Rd MP 21.7 and Jeffers Rd MP 23.3 (In Progress)
Phase Status: In Progress

Track and Right of Way

  • Place temporary track over Ludwig culvert.
  • Replace road crossing at Grand Rapids Rd.
  • Replace necessary switch ties in North Yard siding switch.
  • Replace 1500 mainline ties.
  • Stabilize culvert at MP 22.9.
  • Clear all vegetation 600’ each side of public crossings.
  • Clear brush/vegetation to bottom of ditches, or 15’ from rail.
  • Build platform area and new bridge at Yawberg Rd loading site.

Equipment

  • Repair axle on 5109.
  • Perform bodywork on exterior and interior of at least one passenger coach.
  • Paint and letter NKP 475 (caboose).

Crews and Personnel

  • Establish a new rule book and timetable.
  • Conduct classes to qualify personnel on rules.
  • Conduct physical training classes for safe operation of trains.

Public Notifications

  • Notify PUCO on intent to resume operations.
  • Notify Otsego Schools of intent to resume operations.
  • Notify Providence Township of intent to resume operations.
PHASE II: Expand Operation of Train West to Front St. MP 24.2 (Not Started – Depends on Phase I)
Phase Status: Not Started

Track and Right of Way

  • Replace road crossing at Ludwig Rd.
  • Repair/rebuild culvert at Ludwig Rd.
  • Replace 600 ties between Jeffers Rd and Front St.
  • Replace all timbers on bridge.
  • Clear all brush/vegetation to bottom of ditch or 15’ from rail.
  • Clear all vegetation 600’ each side of public crossings.

Equipment

  • None.

Crews and Personnel

  • Ensure crews are qualified on extended territory.

Public Notifications

  • Notify PUCO of intent to expand operating area.
  • Notify Otsego Schools of intent to expand operating area.
  • Notify Village of Grand Rapids of intent to expand operating area.
  • Notify Providence Township of intent to expand operating area.
PHASE IIa: Expand Operation of Train West to MP 25 (Not Started – Depends on Phase I)
Phase Status: Not Started

Track and Right of Way

  • Replace 700 ties on main track.
  • Replace 400 ties on passing siding.
  • Replace necessary switch ties at each end of passing siding.
  • Replace necessary switch ties on switches on passing siding.
  • Replace Beach St crossing.
  • Clear all brush/vegetation to bottom of ditch or 15’ from rail.
  • Clear all vegetation 600’ from each side of public crossings.
  • Clear all vegetation 100’ each side of private crossings.
  • Repair/restore crossing protection at Front St.

Equipment

  • None.

Crews and Personnel

  • Ensure all personnel are qualified on extended territory.

Public Notifications

  • Notify PUCO of intent to expand operating area.
  • Notify Otsego Schools of intent to expand operating area.
  • Notify Village of Grand Rapids of intent to expand operating area.
PHASE III: Expand operation of train east to Bailey MP 19 (Not Started – Depends on Phase I)
Phase Status: Not Started

Track and Right of Way

  • Replace road crossing at SR 295/Berkey-Southern Rd.
  • Repair/rebuild culvert east of SR 295.
  • Replace 2500 ties.
  • Repair/rebuild culvert east of Box Rd.
  • Replace road crossing at Bailey Rd.
  • Replace road crossing at Heller Rd.
  • Clear all brush/vegetation to bottom of ditch or 15’ from rail.
  • Clear all vegetation 600’ each side of all public crossings.
  • Restore crossing protection to operation at SR 295/Berkey-Southern Rd.

Equipment

  • None.

Crews and Personnel

  • Ensure all personnel are qualified on extended territory.

Public Notifications

  • Notify ODOT of intent to replace road crossing at SR 295/Berkey-Southern Rd.
  • Notify PUCO of intent to expand operating area.
  • Notify Otsego Schools of intent to expand operating area.
  • Notify Anthony Wayne Schools of intent to expand operating area.
  • Notify Waterville Township of intent to expand operating area.
PHASE IV: Expand operation of train east to Waterville MP 15 (Not Started – Depends on Phase I)
Phase Status: Not Started

Track and Right of Way

  • Replace road crossing at Hertzfeld Rd.
  • Replace 3500 ties.
  • Clear all brush/vegetation to bottom of ditch or 15’ from rail.
  • Clear all vegetation 600’ each side of all public road crossings.
  • Clear vegetation 100’ each side of all private crossings.

Equipment

  • None.

Crews and Personnel

  • Ensure all personnel are qualified on extended territory.

Public Notifications

  • Notify PUCO of intent to expand operating area.
  • Notify Anthony Wayne Schools of intent to expand operating area.
  • Notify City of Waterville of intent to expand operating area.
  • Notify Waterville Township of intent to expand operating area.