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Daily Activities
Allegheny Locomotive
- Railroads
- Daily
- 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Built in 1941 and weighing 600 tons, the Allegheny was one of the largest steam-powered locomotives ever built. Watch our video of the Allegheny in operation, and then step up into the cab of this mighty engine and imagine yourself at the controls.
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About this exhibit
Our impressive Railroads exhibit features streetcars and trains, including one of the largest steam locomotives ever built. Designed for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway in 1941, the Allegheny locomotive is 125 feet long, weighs about 771,000 pounds, and could pull 160 coal cars, each with a 60-ton load, through the steep grades of the Allegheny Mountains.
Lionel Model Train Display: Located near the Allegheny locomotive, our model train display is a highlight for all ages. Undergoing holiday transformations, and even featuring a 1:58 scale model of our famous 1601 Allegheny locomotive on Mondays, our historical model trains add a special touch to our Railroads exhibit.
Highlights
Allegheny Steam Locomotive, 1941
The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway's massive Allegheny, introduced in 1941, represents the peak of steam railroad technology. Among the largest and most powerful steam locomotives ever built, it weighed 1.2 million pounds with its tender and could generate 7,500 horsepower. Just 11 years later, C&O began pulling these giants from service. Diesel-electric locomotives proved more flexible and less expensive.
Steam Locomotive "Sam Hill," 1858
This 1858 Rogers steam locomotive is typical of those used in the United States in the second half of the 19th century. Its flexible wheel arrangement, high power output, and light weight were well suited to the tight curves, steep grades, and hastily constructed track that characterized American railroads. This locomotive struck an agreeable balance between practicality, safety, and economy.
Canadian Pacific Snowplow, 1923
This plow was one of 36 built by Canadian Pacific Railway's Angus Shops in Montreal between 1920 and 1929. It is a 20-ton, wedge-type plow made for use on a single track. Built without a self-contained power source, the snowplow was pushed by one or two locomotives. Although they are seldom seen in action, snowplows are necessary to keep trains moving in harsh winter weather.
Ingersoll-Rand Number 90 Diesel-Electric Locomotive, 1926
This is one of the earliest diesel-electric locomotives used on American railroads. Diesel-electrics offered many advantages over steam locomotives. They required less maintenance, were more fuel efficient, and could be operated by smaller crews. This locomotive's body houses an Ingersoll-Rand diesel engine that drives a General Electric generator, which in turn powers electric motors on the axles.
Bangor & Aroostook Railroad Passenger Coach Replica
This coach replicates a typical passenger car used on American railroads circa 1860. Its varnished interior surfaces resisted dirt and stains, while its mohair-covered seats stood up to heavy use. Opening windows offered ventilation in summer, and a woodstove provided heat in winter. Other amenities included a drinking water dispenser and a small restroom.
1924 Railroad Refrigerator Car, Used by Fruit Growers Express
Modern refrigerated rail cars have mechanical cooling units, but well into the 20th century, ice cooled refrigerator cars like this one. Since 45-55 pounds of ice melted each hour, icing stations had to be located at regular intervals along the route, and adherence to strict schedules was necessary to prevent spoilage. The ability to ship meats and produce in refrigerator cars, far from their points of origin, greatly expanded both farmers' markets, and consumers' food choices.
Railroads
Check out some of the amazing inventions you'll see first-hand when you take a journey through our Railroads exhibit in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.
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