Miniature Railroad & Village
The Miniature Railroad & Village is one of the largest and most detailed model train layouts in the United States. It painstakingly shows how western Pennsylvania was at the turn of the 20th century. Located at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the MRRV has been a Pittsburgh tradition for over 50 years.
Contents
History
Originally begun as a wedding display by Charles Bowdish of Brookeville, PA, the layout has grown considerably over its life. Bowdish developed heart problems during World War I, and after returning home, took up model building as a way to occupy his time. His first display was set up Christmas Eve, 1920, in honor of his brother’s wedding celebration. One guest, Alfred Truman, inquired if he could bring a “few” friends over to see the display – over 600 people showed up! Bowdish soon began setting his railroad up yearly at Christmas time in his house. The railroad spanned the entire second floor, and no admission fee was ever charged. Legend has it, after a flood nearly destroyed his stored models, he began searching for a new home for his work. The Buhl Science Center quickly offered him space and the Miniature Railroad and Village was born.
The first display was opened on December 1, 1954, and ran until December 31. During the 32-day period, figures showed that 23,885 visitors viewed the layout. every Christmas, and drew large crowds of visitors. It became a tradition for people to come and visit it.
Once the Christmas season passed, the display was torn down and stored until next year. After plans for the new Carnegie Science Center were finalized, the decision was made to transfer the display into a permanent and large home in the new building.
Present
The MRRV has been located in the Carnegie Science Center since 1991. The current platform is 83 feet long by 30 feet wide, more than double the original. Five Lionel trains and one trolley operate continuously.
The new display’s philosophy was the historic and educational significance of Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. The display depicts how people worked, lived, and played during the years 1880-1920. All of the models featured on the display are handcrafted by staff from real structures around Western Pennsylvania. The display boasts the largest steel mill ever replicated in O Scale: the Sharon Steel Mill, which was constructed from the mill’s actual blueprints.
Expert advisors were contracted to make the new display as lifelike as possible; for example, a Harvard professor designed the lighting sequence to resemble the movement of the sun and actual daylight. A sophisticated computer system controls the layout. Opto 22, a company which supplies NASA and Disney World with control modules, provided the system.
Every year, two months before Thanksgiving, the display closes down for maintenance. During this shutdown period, new models are constructed for exhibition on the display. Scenes on the display are updated, and the layout is given a careful and thorough cleaning.
Collectible Boxcars
For the past eight years, Lionel has issued collectable boxcars commemorating the railroad. Each year, the boxcar features an unique design, drawn up inhouse. These limited edition cars are only available through the Carnegie Science Center's XPLOR Store.
Some Historic Buildings Featured
- Second Indiana County Courthouse
- Lakemont's Leap-the-Dips Rollercoaster
- Luna Park Entrance
- Mr. Rogers's House
- Rachael Carson's Home
- Sharon Steel Mill
- Grand Ship Hotel
- George Westinghouse Castle
- Liverpool Street Row Houses
- Many, many more!
Facts and Figures
- The display is 83 feet long by 30 feet wide
- Over 250,000 handmade trees are planted on the display
- Over 100 handmade animations create a sense of life
- There is over 1500 feet of track
- Real water is used, with boats floating down powered by magnets
References
1. MRRV Training Manual
2. Miniature Railroad
