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Drew’s Trackside Adventures: Episode 14 - Chicago’s Museum of Science & Industry
Got my start in model railroading at the Museum of Science and Industry in 1959 or 1960 (not sure exactly which) when I saw the original layout and bought a couple of railroading magazines from the book store.
Just keeps getting better. The M of S & I is a must see for any Chicago visit.
Another awesome awesome awesome video! I could watch these for hours. Just great videos def. my favorite part or MRV+!!!
Drew - you have the best job in the world!
Good video! It makes me want to go ride trains around Chicago 
The HO train layout at the museum is one of the best in the United States. I had the fortune of seeing the layout in September of 2013 and go behind the scenes to talk to one of the people who maintains system. You would be amazed at the diesel engines they have to choose from to keep the freight moving. It is truly a must see if you are visiting Chicago! Great video too!!!
Great to hear that you all enjoyed this episode. Knowing that this series is such a fan favorite inspires me to always do better!
Drew: Growing up some 60 miles South of Chicago, I remember all to well the original O scale railroad that the MOSI had. I read that it had been replaced, and of course, sensed a feeling of loss of ‘something that couldn’t be replaced.’ I read the series of articles in MR about the construction and installation of the new railroad, (although I would have liked to have had much more detail and photos of the actual processes of creation, manufacture and installation, I know that was not feasible for a publication) but seeing the ‘new railroad’ in this feature was awesome. Thank you so much for you and your staff’s efforts to bring things like this to life for those of us who do not travel extensively anymore.
Another very nice ride with you, Drew! Thank you, can’t wait for the next episode… oh wait, where will that take place?!? Good job guys
Terrific job, Drew! Going on rail trips like yours reminds me of when I travelled for my job. You & your camera man did a really excellent job showing the attractions of Chicago railroading. Museum of Science and Industry is one of America’s best! Thanks again!
Drew, as usual loved your work. But guess I’m in the minority in being disappointed with the MOSI layout when I visited. The Chicago architectural building modeling is fanatastic, but that was where the millionsof $s were spent. The rest of the route is rather plain modeling in comparison to the effort in doing Chicago skyline. But still enjoyed your video rail trip as usual.
Thanks Drew for filling in so many bits of USA that I just did not know about in time for my fleeting visit a couple of years ago. You have managed to bring back memories from my Amtrak journey - New York-Washington - Chicago - SanFrancisco - almost LA (a bus got in the way)
Thank you everyone! It’s so great to read your feedback.
Vianney, funny you should ask. Think warm, dry, sandy thoughts…
And speaking of that, I want to give a shout-out to Charles. While filming an upcoming episode I had the honor of running into you. It was a pleasure. Thank you for watching the show!
I grew up on the South Side in the '40’s and '50’s. I basically haunted the Museum as my grandparents lived within blocks of it! I also rode the Zephyr when it had the fourth car and was in regular service. Too bad the Museum can’t run one of Con-Cor’s Zephyrs, calling it a “fan trip” on the HO scale railroad. I, too, remember when the O scale was there, and the large cabinet full of relays used to control the model layout. Last time I was at the Museum, three years ago, the passenger sections of the Zephyr were not open.
I understand that the original O scale layout based on the Santa Fe was replaced due to age. Why wasn’t 3-rail O gauge selected instead of HO? Trains would have been larger and easier on eyes, maintenence simpler and forced perspective structures would have still be permissable. Where is Mount Rushmore? Still VERY impressive and Thank You Drew for a great presentation just the same!
I visited the Museum along time ago in the 1960’s era, the origional layout was an s scale layout. It was desinged by Minton Kronkite in conjunction with the Santafe railway. Who put up most of the funding for it. The orgional layout included the Grand Canyon, and some other cement industries, and a freight yard as well as steam and early diesel facility. Pretty cool for its time. The old Burlington Zephyr sat outside, you could not go inside, however they did have platforms, so you could look in the windows, my how things have changed over the years.
Guys, thanks for sharing your stories about the museum. It’s great to read the memories of others. I, too, saw the O scale version when I was little kid. Things sure have changed!
Although I’m not a railfanning-type person (but do enjoy seeing the occasional train while out & about), I enjoyed the visit to the MOSI. Good work on the video, guys! One small nit to pick on; the introductory guitar blues music was, while well-performed, a bit too long and a little boring. The rest was ok, though.
Fred, thank you for your feedback. We appreciate it!