Board Member

Marlan Woodside has recently (as of March 2025) joined the Mojave Transportation Museum (MTM) as a Board Member at Large representing railroading transportation interests. A resident of California City since May 1982, Marlan began his association with the Mojave area when he arrived as an enlisted member of the United States Air Force assigned to Edwards AFB in 1978. After serving his, he worked in the business office of California City government from 1982 to 1984. He returned to Edwards as a civilian where he spent the next 36 years supporting the business side of flight test. During this time, he pursued his interests in railroading by joining the Tehachapi Loop Railroad club (a 501c3 Non-Profit) in 2005, in 2019 he became a board member and newsletter editor as well as organized train related tours for the club. In 2023 in became Dispatcher/Vice President and 2025 was elected Superintendent/President. Also, during this time, Marlan joined the Friends of the Tehachapi Depot (FOTD) (a 501c3 Non-Profit) that operates the Tehachapi Depot Museum. Marlan joined the FOTD board in 2016 as a Director-at-Large, responsible for Membership/Newsletter/Tours and then Vice President in 2023. Since October 2016, Marlan has been a certified California Operation Lifesaver facilitator educating the public regarding rail safety. Marlan has been a part time business instructor for Cerro Coso Community College and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University from 1982 through 2016. As a member of the MTM he hopes to further the mission to preserve the transportation history and heritage of the Mojave area by creating a museum with an educational outreach.