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Exploring the Science, Technology, Engineering, Architecture and Mechanics of the Steam Locomotive and the North American Railroad Industry
This future exhibit will be housed in the roundhouse building; a six stall semi circular structure that was originally built and still maintains its 1917 architecture. Utilizing stalls 2 thru 6 the exhibit will incorporate over 10, 000 square feet of space. The vast open area of concrete and brick floors, huge wooden timber supports, large banks of windows, a locomotive wheel drop pit, maintenance pits with tracks and GN 1355 located in Bay 5 will provide a unique atmosphere to pull the visitor out of the present and into a time long forgotten.
It is our intent to entertain and teach visitors, particularly the young, through animatronic figures, interactive discovery stations, audio visual displays, and artifacts. By breaking down the word STEAM we are developing learning objectives into the following areas.
Understand how steam locomotives converted the chemical energy stored in fuel (wood, coal and fuel oil) into mechanical power.
Understand how steam technology harnesses power and changes the patterns of work, including it's modern applications.
Understand how steam locomotives were constructed and classified by type, work use and gauge.
Understand the design and function of the merging of railroad equipment and buildings in such places as passenger stations, depots, freight houses, and maintenance complexes.
Understand the mathematical ideas and computational skills related to steam locomotive construction and operation.
Although learning about the steam locomotive is the primary aim of this exhibit the visitor will find out as they continue through the complex that they will now be able to relate these lessons to other exhibits. Exhibits demonstrating steam power for manufacturing use such driving electrical generators, operating motors and cylinders that are used to raise draw bridges, lift heavy pieces of equipment, operate drills and tunneling equipment and providing the power for large "steam" shovels such as the types that were instrumental in building the Panama Canal.
As these lessons are accidentally learned and usage applications are revealed throughout the rest of the complex our bright young future engineers and scientists may see uses and relations to future inventions and applications. A particularly useful thought process to have as we strive for new renewable energy sources throughout the world don't you think?
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