On December 12, we loaded everyone up and drove an hour or so to get to the Medina Railroad Museum. In addition to having an expansive collection of rain memorabilia, they also have an immense model train layout. We planned to check out the museum for a while and then go on our “Polar Express” ride.
(I took a loooot of pictures. Like approximately 120-some. I managed to narrow that down to maybe 60 or so that I edited but I’m not going to share all of them here. Almost but not quite. You’re welcome! LOL)
The museum and model train area was enormous. Like, my brain couldn’t compute how much time and effort must have been put into it all. The details were INSANE.
Museum:
This was a very popular viewing area for the kids as it had several Thomas the Tank characters (trains, vehicles, and people) that were dedicated to this spot.
The other super popular spot was next to the mini-amusement park:
The rides were all electric and the kids could control the lights, music and movement with buttons along the railing. There was even a balloon vendor that appeared to float into the sky from all of the balloons here was holding. (Did I mention that the details were INSANE?!?!)
Just a portion of the huge amount of exhibit-y stuff on display:
Circus display case:
Poster from 1898:
Model of Buffalo’s Central Terminal:
They had a model of the Polar Express. Once Matthew saw that, he was OFFICIALLY in love.
(Remember my comment about the details? The caboose of the Polar Express had the weird freaky hobo sitting on top, playing a guitar in front of a campfire. Just like the movie!)
Us at the museum:
At this point, they told us we could start heading outside to board the train that would take us to the North Pole. (Ian literally thought we were going to the North Pole. LOL)
Outside:
Our train:
Once on the train, we had plenty of space to move around. It was probably only a quarter full.
Waiting for the train to start:
Here’s some video of the train starting to move. Matthew was trying to look out the window. Play close attention to his reaction to the train whistle blowing for the first time. 🙂
Looking out the window:
My sweetie, Ian:
Better view on my lap:
More video. More train. More whistle. More adorable boys.
Santa on the train:
He gave Matthew a candy cane and then Matthew wanted nothing else to do with him. Food = happy Matthew LOL
Posing with Santa:
Posing with the Conductor:
(He pulled Ian and Matthew on top of the seat backs. Ian is kind of weird about being lifted up and while he’s smiling for the picture, he’s kind of freaked. And clearly Matthew is confused by the whole stranger-seat-back thing. Next time, Mr. Conductor Dude, it might be better to squat or sit beside them.)
Looking out the window with Aunt Rachel:
I love these guys!
Ian decided to be a little photographer:
Looking out the window at Daddy before getting off the train:
What a fun time! I think we’re going to go back in the spring when they do their “Day Out with Thomas” event!