ELKHART, Ind. (AP) _ Plans are underway for $500,000 in improvements and repairs at a northern Indiana city's railroad museum.

The first phase of the project will include truss improvements and brick work on the New York Central Railroad Museum in Elkhart. Parts of the former freight house complex date to the early 1900s, and city community development director Crystal Welsh says the building is in bad shape.

The Elkhart Truth reports (http://bit.ly/1ScaG8A) the city's Redevelopment Commission this week approved dedicating the money toward the project at the city-owned museum. Other work planned includes fixing doors and windows, roof and insulation repairs and entryway improvements.

The museum highlights the Elkhart area's railroading history, with steam and diesel locomotives on display and a large model railroad exhibit.