If you’re a fan of old train engines, you might want to visit a railway museum. These museums showcase the history of railroading through displays of steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, railway cars, and signalling equipment. Some even have operating historic equipment on the grounds of the museum. In the meantime, you can view select displays at an interim facility. Visitors can even get face masks to wear during their visit. The museum also has a gift shop where you can purchase rail-themed items.
If you love trains and all things railroad-related, you might want to visit the Thomaston Railroad Museum. This museum is located in the historic Thomaston station, which dates back to 1881. The museum features a large collection of toy trains, LED lighting, and seven interactive train layouts. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 pm. There’s also a children’s section where visitors can play train-themed games.
The museum is home to the Whippanong Valley Railroad, a “O” gauge model railroad that is the centerpiece of the main exhibit area. The museum features restored vintage cabooses as well as Excursion Train Rides. Visitors can take a 45-minute ride in these cabooses that once served New Jersey and the metro area. The museum is open to the public, and tickets cost just $8. While you’re there, you can explore the museum’s gift shop and learn about the history of rail transportation in the region.
The museum relies on volunteers to run and restore its trains. Volunteers perform the vast majority of the restoration work. Anyone can apply for a volunteer position at the museum. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Although most volunteers are not professional railroaders, they do come from diverse backgrounds. Volunteers include electricians, lawyers, teachers, construction workers, and doctors. They make the IRM possible. There are no formal admission requirements to join the Museum and volunteer for the various departments.
The RMLI is housed in the historic Long Island Rail Road freight house. Greenport, New York, was the eastern terminus of the main line from Brooklyn since 1844. The Museum building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can see a permanent collection of railroad artifacts as well as exhibits that change annually. If you’re visiting the museum during the summer, it’s best to check out its hours, as it may not be open during these times.
Located in Solano County, California, the Western Railway Museum is a renowned interurban transportation history center with an emphasis on trolleys. This museum is home to the largest collection of old railroad equipment, including trolleys. Guests can take a 1.5-mile or ten-mile street card ride at the museum. The museum features shaded picnic areas, a gift shop, and a library. There are also several small exhibits in the museum’s visitors center.
