If you're planning on going to Chicago during the winter months plan on going to the Museum of Science and Industry. They have NYC&HRRR 999, famous for it's speed record, on display inside along with several other early steam engines. Next to these are an approx 40 x 60 ft O scale layout with a 727 hanging above. You can even go inside the 727 and look out it's windows down onto the layout. It's a cool effect. The best piece of railroad historyin the museum is the Pioneer Zephyr, which is located in a glass encased display gallery in the middle of the parking garage. you can take a tour of it. The tour is incredible. Through a combination of animatronics, hydraulic cylinders, and rear projection screens, you will swear that the train is moving. Be warned though that only a limited amount of people can go through the train each day. When I was there they were taking 20 people through every half hour, so you'd want to hit the tour before dong anything else.
MSI Chicago
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