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The process of finding a new home for the Lebanon, Mason and Monroe Railroad next year is in its earliest stages.

Lebanon stands to lose the LM&M because the city does not have $500,000 needed to repair a five-mile stretch of track its owns and leases to the railroad.

City officials said they learned of problems with two bridges along the track on Monday, Oct. 6. City Manager Pat Clements told the city council on Tuesday, Oct. 7 that the city will close the track Jan. 1.

The bridges along the train route are safe to use, said Clements and LM&M CEO Brian Collins, who agreed the railroad would continue its scheduled runs through Dec. 21.

Ray Kammer Jr. president of the LM&M, said Friday Oct. 10 that the company is working on where to move the train operation in 2009.

"We'll definitely run somewhere," Kammer said.

Kammer said he had not yet spoken with any city leaders in Mason or Monroe about relocating the trains.

"Right now we're just trying to get the word out we're still open and operating in Lebanon for the rest of the year," Kammer said.

LM&M will complete all its scheduled runs from Lebanon through Dec. 21.

Mason Mayor Tom Grossmann said Friday that had not heard about Collins' proposal to run the train out of the Mason or Monroe, but he'd be willing to listen.

"I think it would be a nice amenity and a nice attraction, and it would be fun," he said.

An estimated 40,000 to 50,000 passengers a year visit downtown Lebanon and ride the train east through Turtlecreek Twp. and back again.

Rich Cox, a member of Mason's comprehensive plan steering committee, said he would love to have the train in Mason, but he believes it might take a private investor to make that a reality. He plans to discuss the matter with city council members and other members of the city's planning committee next week.

A representative of the Northeast Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce said Friday that the chamber has not been approached by the tourist railroad.