Train/ locomotive enthusiasts? or not....?

Question

i'm working on an architectural project currently, and would really like to know what u would expect to see in a good locomotive museum? apart from the obvious live scale models or photographs??? i want this place to be kids and family friendly too, not just for train enthusiasts?

all opinions would be greatly appreiated

Answer 1

I suggest you visit fawley manor they used to have steam train rides, if not stockport used to have a museum up there

Answer 2

I work in a small railway museum and we get visitors of all ages, so I can tell you that kids are especially attracted to the following:

Miniature train rides. We have a 7.25" gauge line circuiting the perimeter of the site. We use a battery electric loco most of the time and occasionally a steam one;

Model trains which operate on a layout. We have a small layout where a train operates when 10p is placed in a slot;

Actual, preserved locomotives with access to the cab. Even better if the locos can steam and run on a length of track. We have a restored loco which is in working order and is steamed occasionally. The cab is always open for visits even when the loco is not fired up;

'Hands on' experience e.g. pulling the levers in the signal box (under supervision of course), operating the block instruments (telegraph bells) and speaking over the 'magneto' phone (antique type phone with handle which you turn to ring  at the 'other end'). And anything else the kids might like to do - blowing whistles, waving flags, etc.;

Anything to do with the Victorian era. Kids are absolutely fascinated by this, possibly because it is such a favourite setting for so many TV costume dramas;

Kids like to be entertained so having someone on hand to explain things and answer questions is a good idea. Sense of humour essential;

Many railway museums and heritage railways also have themed events such as Thomas the Tank Engine, Santa Specials, 1940's Weekend, and others depending on the time of year.

Btw, train enthusiasts are not a breed apart, many people visit train museums out of curiosity or for somewhere to amuse the kids, and suddenly find themselves 'bitten by the bug'. It isn't just about 'playing trains', it's about history and heritage, and the communities which the railway served, both as means of transport and communication and as an employer. A good museum will reflect this and present it in a way that has universal appeal.

Answer 3

in uk, the best museum is in York. u cld check their website

Answer 4

Railroad  museums do not deal in toy trains. They have old locomotives which were once in actual use.

At the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, there are lots of steam locomotives. Well, at least there were when I visited there many years ago.

Check out the Illinois Railway Museum. They have entire trains.http://www.google.com/search?client=safa...

There is another museum in Hesston, Michigan and another in Bellows Falls, Vermont.

They are all over this country.

There are several railroads which run old equipment, just for tourists. Check out the Durango and Silverton.

Answer 5

The complete history! trains, uniforms, signs, tracks, trains, special cars, etcetera.!

for kids: film and sounds of course.. and perhaps have them operate a set of signs and signals.

traffic control... modern day too!

Postcards and calenders as souvenirs, along with train models and t-shirts with funny train things on them...

Have the decoration thought about too.

if you can.. have a train getting people from the parking lot, right throug the museum... Think animal park train....

Think of anything you can possibly imagine. Balloons for kids, and oh, the MENU has to be train related...

( l love star trek, so plasma leak soup was a huge joke in the series... )

I think you can think of something...

Good luck!

Mail me if ya wanna brainstorm some more ;-)

Answer 6

http://www.nrm.org.uk/home/home.asp