The Trolley Museum is housed in a restored 19th century mill building. Their collection includes 26 trolley cars in different stages of restoration and hundreds of other items related to the street car era. They have a 5 mile track that runs from the museum to their newly built repair shop. Along the way the trolley travels through a one mile tunnel, over a bridge and through a forest.
We were lucky enough to ride Number 80 to the repair shop where it was left for repairs, and ride Number 76 back.
Number 80 is a light weight trolley and can run 80 mph. It has doors in the front and rear, seats are smaller, and the interior is not as elaborate as Number 76. The motorman is seated in view of the riders. In addition to the motorman, this trolley required a conductor. 
Inside the tunnel riding on the number 80.
Number 76 is a heavier trolley with cherry and mahogany wood trim throughout the interior with brass accents. The seats are cane woven and the operator is hidden behind a wooden divider. The doors are in the middle of the car. With the middle door placement, the need for a conductor was eliminated.
Inside the number 76. Note the cane seats.
On Number 76 there is a seat that folds down between the center doors so the motorman can sit and collect tickets. 
There are several cars and numerous displays inside the museum. 
Inside the number 120.
The farm team for the NY Yankees has a stadium next to the repair shop. When the team has a home game on Sunday, fans can park at the museum and ride the trolley to and from the game. Not only is this a treat for everyone, it is a true step back in time.The Steamtown Historical site is owned and run by the National Park Service, and is housed in an old roundhouse. Several additions have been added to the roundhouse and numerous ramps and walkways have been built to allow visitors to get through the steam engine and car displays.
Most of the steam engines are works in progress.
This is a museum within a working train yard. Visitors are able to take train rides, see video presentations, and in general, walk through and climb on more types of rail equipment than one can imagine. Picture a park ranger in a “Smokey the Bear” hat giving a talk regarding the inner workings of a round house operation!
Equipment is moved up and down the tracks several times a day, and visitors are allowed to roam the yards while moves are being made. This is highly unlikely to occur in any other rail yard.
Both of these museums are well worth the visit.
No comments:
Post a Comment