If you love trains, then a steam train museum is a must-visit attraction. These museums have a huge collection of historic locomotives and other railcars which are restored and kept in running condition. They also offer rides and other experiences to visitors. Many of these museums were started by railroads as a way to preserve their own history and attract tourists. Others are independent and not affiliated with any particular railroad or national organization.
There are a number of steam train museums throughout the United States. Some are located at former railway stations, while others have a separate building dedicated to the display of railcars and locomotives. The museum collection is often complemented by other railway artifacts and exhibits.
Most of the steam train museums are located in large cities and towns where once there were major railroads. The museums offer tours of the facility which include a ride on a real train. Many of these facilities are also available for special events and weddings.
The most famous and largest steam train museum in the world is the National Railway Museum of York, England. The museum is home to around 100 historic locomotive engines and other railway cars spread across several giant railway sheds. It is also the home of the Mallard, which was the first steam engine to reach 100mph and set a world speed record that has never been broken.
Some of the locomotives and railway cars in the museum are on permanent display while others are undergoing restoration. The collection includes a number of unique items that are the first, last or only of their kind. The Museum also owns the Southern Pacific Railroad No. 1 locomotive which is considered the finest example of a 19th Century American steam engine.
The museum is a great place to learn about the development of railways, including technological advances in engineering and economic changes that led to increased travel comfort and better working conditions for railroad workers. The museum also has an extensive library and photo archive which provides valuable information for historians and other researchers.
A visit to a steam train museum is an ideal way to take your children on a learning adventure. Many of these museums have their own websites that feature videos and other educational resources. You can even get involved in the educational process by volunteering at a museum or becoming a member of their board of directors.
There are a number of other steam train museums in the world that are worth visiting. Some of these are located in small towns where once there were a significant amount of rail traffic, while others are part of national or state museums. The Smithsonian Institution has a very good museum of railroad history in Washington DC and the Union Pacific Railroad Historical Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa is another excellent railroad museum.
