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We were in Sacramento this weekend for a wedding, and we finally got to see the museum there.
Thumbs up: It was very well laid out, and the exhibits were very well displayed. I especially enjoyed the diorama with a 19th century locomotive depicting construction of the transcontinental railroad. There was a 1920s Pullman car you could walk through, and it was set up for simulated rocking motion, with lights passing the darkened windows. It felt like it was really moving! The docents were generally knowledgeable, and all very friendly.
Thumbs down: It wasn't nearly as large and extensive as I was led to believe based on other's reports. The variety of exhibits was pretty limited. There was only one diesel locomotive (F series?) on display and there was no way to look inside. There were only two streamline era cars, a diner and an RPO, both of which you could walk through. The diner was too sterilized in its appearance, and it didn't have that streamliner smell I remember so fondly from my childhood and early Amtrak trips. It looked perfect, but it felt all wrong!
In all a worthwhile visit. But I wouldn't make a special trip to Sacramento just to see it.
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Glad you liked it (or most of it, anyway). We've been to the Sacramento Museum a few times. Did you check out the adjacent CPRR freight station and some of the outdoor exhibits along the river? When we were there, there were an Amtrak engine and freight engines there. They aren't as polished as the indoor artifacts, but they do look a bit worn and "railroady" and add to the interest of the collection.
Posts: 874 | From: South Bay (LA County), Calif, USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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