Clinton’s rail cam undergoing improvements
By Randy Bell
Trains running through Clinton will soon be viewable again on the Olde Towne Depot rail cam’s live video feed.
When a train passes by the Olde Towne Depot, a railroad enthusiast in Clinton may be watching it on a video feed, while somebody on the other side of the Atlantic checks out the same YouTube livestream. Now, efforts are underway to make the Rail Cam more reliable.
Olde Towne Depot Manager Ashley Hammack recently told the Board of Aldermen that the camera is being hard-wired to the building, replacing the old wi-fi connection.
“That’ll make it a little less finicky, and it won’t go out every time the wind blows,” she said.
The 24/7 livestream was taken down recently to make the improvements, but Hammack told the Board the video feed was expected to be back in operation soon. The old camera is being replaced with one providing a clearer image and a zoom feature.
Since being installed in 2023, the Rail Cam has been viewed more than 15,000 times from eight states and six foreign countries, including the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Japan, India, France and Poland as approximately fifteen to twenty trains pass through Clinton each day.
Although the Depot doesn’t board passengers on real trains, it’s outfitted with lots of railroad memorabilia and a permanent train display. It’s open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 9 till 5.
The Depot also serves as an event space, hosting Board of Aldermen work sessions the first Monday of each month, along with Main Street Clinton and Brick Street Players meetings and special events, including baby showers, birthday parties and class reunions. Hammack said eighteen rentals have been booked so far this year.
Then, during the Christmas holidays, the Depot will be decked out with decorations and bustling with children and their parents enjoying the holiday train display, the Polar Express pajama party and other fun events.
“December is a very busy time for us,” Hammack told the Board.
