Yesterday, we ventured into Amish country to explore the Strasburg Railroad Museum. We had visited here many years ago when the kids were little, but it was obvious that this place had undergone a huge renovation sometime in recent years.
The building looms over the Amish countryside, and once inside, it's not too difficult to see just why it is so large.
Once we entered the building, we were sent back in time, walking through the ticket station
and onto a street where storefronts stood recreated from ages ago.
Peering through the windows was very entertaining.
The path led us through rooms that were loaded with various train displays.
Here you see a display created entirely from Legos.
Simply amazing!
Then, we found ourselves admiring miniature trains set up in various cities and locations.
The backgrounds enhanced the visual display bringing the cities to life.
We exited into the main part of the building which was bursting with just every type of train ever made. And, the experience also included other items, like this old time hearse
and US Mail truck.
Here stands the oldest surviving 8 wheel passenger car in North America which was known for its modern seating that included a center aisle. When this car was first retired, it was sold to a farmer who used the body as a chicken coop. But in 1892, the car was rescued by the Pennsylvania Railroad and cleaned up to show in exhibits at various World's Fairs over the years.
This is a Conrail Modern Diesel locomotive, which was apparently the type of train that Marty worked on while supporting his college education as a brakeman in the summers.
He was given the opportunity to recreate his past adventures by having a seat in the engineer spot. He certainly got a kick out of that!
The place was loaded with all kinds of trains, varying in age, style and purpose.
Here is one that came all the way from Hawaii, where it was used to transport sugar cane. It might look small, but that is only because the photo is taken from a walkway above.
Here you see the Poor Man's Locomotive, the "Climax". It was designed to be cheap and disposable. It's light weight enabled it to move timber from the mountains of Pennsylvania to local markets.
The dining cars were entertaining, with graphics
as well as historic items from past days.
In the corner leading to the rail yard stands a mural representing John Bull, one of the famous original train engines that is actually on display in the museum.
Across the street from the museum is a train station where one can pay to take a short, 45 minute trip, in a passenger car on a steam train. It was the perfect day for such an excursion.
Here are just a couple of the scenes taken out the window.
as well as some shots taken down the road.
Of course, these two had to cross the tracks to get the better view.
I hear there will be a special edition of the train adventure on the Yinzer fishing Youtube channel sometime in the near future.
That will give you something to look forward to, won't it?
I hope you enjoyed following along on our travels.
In the meantime, here's bidding you fond farewell from Strasburg!
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