If you’re visiting the UK, you’ll probably be wondering what to expect when you enter the railway museum. There’s a lot to take in, but one thing is certain: you’re going to be enchanted by the museum’s artifacts. The DL&W No. 2454 is undergoing a seven-year, half-million dollar restoration. The project was primarily undertaken by volunteers, though heavy metal fabrication and exterior painting were performed by outside contractors. While the restoration took a long time, the work was completed thanks to the financial support of the NJ County Transportation Officials Association and Liberty Historic Railway.
The museum is divided into departments that focus on different aspects of railway history. The museum’s equipment departments include Electric Car, Steam Car, and Diesel. Facilities departments include Buildings & Grounds, Track & Signal, and Exhibits. The Operating Department oversees actual train operations. A General Manager oversees the work of the various department curators, and reports to the museum’s Board of Directors, which is made up of working volunteers.
Whippany Museum’s steam locomotive collection is one of the largest in the state. The Museum also has two operating model train layouts, complete with full restroom facilities. The museum has an extensive gift shop, Snack Depot, and picnic area. It was founded in 1953 by ten men who donated $100 each to buy an Indiana Railroad 65, which was on the verge of being scrapped. Those men were so impressed with the museum that they later donated the locomotive to the city.
Aside from the Victorian era exhibits, visitors can also see the world’s largest model railway, featuring nearly 100 steam locomotives and eight miles of track. A replica steam engine pulls a 15-minute outdoor train ride. Guests must be over two years old to ride. There are no public restrooms aboard the train, and there are some restrictions. The train runs at a reduced capacity, but it’s still an excellent place to take the kids.
The Thomaston Railroad Museum has long-term gallery exhibitions on railroading in the region. This museum is also open every day during the spring and summer. In addition to the museum’s permanent collection of railroad artifacts, visitors can also take a train ride over the track. Hourly excursions are available, and there’s also a resident expert on the subject. The Thomaston Railroad Museum is open daily from mid-April to late June.
The IRM’s expansion is ongoing. In fact, it’s one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by any museum. It’s home to over 40 pieces of train equipment, including some of the earliest electric cars. The main line railroad has also expanded to five miles of former E&B right-of-way. The museum will be the only railroad in the area to showcase such diverse collection of equipment. It will become an icon for Chicago’s railway history.
The Great Hall is one of three railway sheds at the Museum. It was built in 1909 and was a popular meeting place between railway engineers and the public. Today, it is a thriving tourist destination. Its special exhibit focuses on the role of ambulance trains during the First World War. The museum offers many educational programs for families and children alike. There is no admission fee at the Texas Electric Railway Museum, though the museum does accept donations. To avoid wasting time, make sure to reserve a tour before visiting.
