Model Railroad Show Celebrates 40 Years at Science Museum of Virginia
For the past 40 years, thousands of Virginians have spent Thanksgiving weekend at the Science Museum of Virginia with the Model Railroad Show. The fan-favorite event celebrates all things locomotive and is one of the biggest weekends at the Museum all year.
The Model Railroad Show features seven different train displays with scaled locomotives riding through intricate landscapes and miniature cities. Guests can also explore the Museum’s vintage train cars, take a trackless train ride on the Teddy Bear Express, see Clydesdale horses, watch blacksmiths forge custom metal pieces, and take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.
The Museum is also creating a special mini-exhibit featuring items from historic Broad Street Station to help commemorate the 40th annual event.
Broad Street Station, designed by iconic American architect John Russell Pope, was initially used as a passenger rail hub. The first train rolled out of the station on Jan. 6, 1919 and at its peak during World War II, more than 30,000 passengers a day used the facility. The last train pulled out of Broad Street Station on Nov. 15, 1975. In 1976, Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad sold the property to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Science Museum of Virginia was born.
The Model Railroad Show is a decades-long holiday tradition that celebrates the legacy of Broad Street Station, creates lasting memories and reminds us that science is all around us.
The Model Railroad Show takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 24 and 25, and from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 26. A detailed schedule of the activities will be posted at www.smv.org closer to the event. Activities are free with Museum admission, which is $14.50 for adults with a $1 discount for seniors and youth.
Don’t miss your chance for a Thanksgiving weekend with all the bells and whistles!
Visit smv.org for more information.