EPH
30-11-2004, 06:02 PM
I just got back from a trip to Baltimore. I went expressly to see the B & O Railroad museum, which has just reopened (they were closed for two years for roof repairs stemming from a heavy snow).
The museum is in the old roundhouse, which is fascinating in-and-of itself. The locomotive collection runs from the early Norris-type and a Tom Thumb replica to modern diesels. There is an 'Allegheny' 2-6-6-6 (I think I have that right) that is very impressive.
Some of the locos and one car were badly damaged when the roof caved in and haven't been restored yet. The crushed cabs and splintered woodwork are heartbreaking.
The model train layouts were nice but overall I thought the collection a bit scanty. I had thought they had a streamlined Hudson, but couldn't find it, and as the staff was overwhelmed by the holiday crowds I didn't get a chance to ask.
My favorite so far is the National Transportation Museum in St Louis. Their locomotive collection is extensive and quite a few have their cabs open to visitors. I was most impressed with the electrics - they actually have a 2D2, a BiPolar and a GG1 - and with their collection of BIG steamers. The museum is a little hard to find but well worth the trip.
I haven't made it to Pennsylvania, Dallas or anywhere out west. Anyone have a favorite museum to recommend?
The museum is in the old roundhouse, which is fascinating in-and-of itself. The locomotive collection runs from the early Norris-type and a Tom Thumb replica to modern diesels. There is an 'Allegheny' 2-6-6-6 (I think I have that right) that is very impressive.
Some of the locos and one car were badly damaged when the roof caved in and haven't been restored yet. The crushed cabs and splintered woodwork are heartbreaking.
The model train layouts were nice but overall I thought the collection a bit scanty. I had thought they had a streamlined Hudson, but couldn't find it, and as the staff was overwhelmed by the holiday crowds I didn't get a chance to ask.
My favorite so far is the National Transportation Museum in St Louis. Their locomotive collection is extensive and quite a few have their cabs open to visitors. I was most impressed with the electrics - they actually have a 2D2, a BiPolar and a GG1 - and with their collection of BIG steamers. The museum is a little hard to find but well worth the trip.
I haven't made it to Pennsylvania, Dallas or anywhere out west. Anyone have a favorite museum to recommend?