Museum of Science and Industry

[Anonymous]

Hi,just wondering if anyone knows if the train layout is still up on the first floor. I heard they shut down the coal mine, so I was wondering about the train. It's been awhile since I hung over the railing on the mezzanine going "OOOOOHHHHH- AAAAAHHHHH".

[greendiamond]

Was just there after Christmas last year. It's all still there. Coal mine too. It's been moved slightly and is partially under a United 707 hanging from the ceiling. I was really disappointed in the layout as I hadn't seen it for quite some time. They "modernized" it. Using non scale equipment. Lionel stuff. It's really been cheapened. Don't think it's sponsored by the RR anymore. Many childhood memories of the magnificent layout are now only that. I'm sure those folks who dont remember the sleek passenger trains and scale cars and motive power still think it's a fantastic layout. Eventhough personally disappointed, I am still glad it is still there for millions to enjoy!

[gerryleone]

Michael -- Wow -- it's interesting that you mention that they modernized it with non-scale equipment, etc. I was there last Summer with my wife, and, after not having seen the layout since I was a kid, was severely disappointed. I told my wife, "I guess I remembered it as being much better than this." Now I find out... it WAS!

-Gerry