LASTA’s Upcoming Move: What You Need to Know
August 2025 – We received a notice from Ochsner Medical Center requesting that we vacate the yard in the coming months due to a significant new construction project. This work will require all the space we currently occupy.
The Jefferson yard has been our home since 1984, when the Southern Pacific #745 locomotive was relocated from Audubon Park. Previous warehouse owners (AP Grocery and SEARS) allowed us to move 745 to the unused rail yard, marking the beginning of our efforts to preserve and eventually restore the locomotive. In 2003, Ochsner acquired the property and began expanding its facilities. Several years later, we moved our operations from the entrance off Jefferson Hwy to our current location.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Ochsner organization and its staff for their generosity over the years. Most importantly, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to you, our valued community members. Your unwavering support has been the backbone of our organization and we couldn’t have come this far without you.
While this transition has been in the planning stages for some time, our move notice came a bit sooner than expected. We’ve been working behind the scenes for several years to develop a new home and now that work is moving full steam ahead.
So what’s next?
The timing of this will impact our planned events, including the very popular Train Rides with Santa and rebuild of SP 745. Our crew must now focus on relocating our equipment to a temporary location while preparations continue for the move to our new home. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Although the #745 rebuild project may have appeared dormant, work behind the scenes has certainly not stopped. It has been a lengthy process; we were expecting to start work soon, but may now be delayed due to relocation.
💡 How YOU Can Help 💡
As a nonprofit organization, we are sustained by the support of our community. This move is a huge and expensive undertaking and we can’t do it alone. Here’s how you can be part of this exciting new chapter:
👉 JOIN – Your membership is a key part of our mission. By supporting the preservation of SP 745 and the rest of our historic rail collection, you and your family will play a pivotal role in preserving a bygone era of rail travel. Your membership is a direct contribution to our cause, making you an integral part of our journey.
💵 DONATE – We’re on a mission but we still need your help! Additional funds are required to cover significant moving costs, equipment relocation, and site preparation. To donate, click the link below or contact us for more information about sponsorship opportunities. Together, we can preserve this unique piece of history for future generations!
🛠️ VOLUNTEER – We’re always looking for help at the yard — whether you have railroad experience or just a willingness to lend a hand. We have a dedicated team of volunteers working tirelessly on the relocation and our other vital projects. Any help is welcome in the coming months!
This is a big moment for our organization. We’re incredibly proud of the history we’ve built and even more excited about the future we’re working toward. Stay tuned for details about our plans! We are committed to building a new, even better facility for our operations and will keep you updated every step of the way.
Thank you for your support, encouragement, and belief in preserving railroad history. We’ll see you down the line! 🚂