Miniature Railroad & Village

This is one of my favorite attractions at the science center. I am amazed at the amount of care and detail that goes into each design of the structures. There’s so much to see that one visit isn’t quite enough. Most recently I had the best visit.
One of the volunteers, Bob «Tink» gave my friend and I a personal tour of the exhibit. It was so very cool. Bob knew sooooooo much about the exhibit, history of each of the modeled structures and added his own personal experiences including showing us pictures of he and his wife visiting the inspirations of the models. Wow. This made the exhibit that much more interesting. It’s kinda like have great service at a restaurant. The food tastes better when it’s delivered with care as the trains seemed to really take life with their conductor showing the way. And, speaking of taking life… I was there early enough to watch them come to life as they were turning on the exhibit as I entered. It was really like A Night At The Museum experience. Fun!
Not only is the exhibit impressive with its artistry, but the investment of the volunteers is priceless. Go see this!

Such an amazing feat to have accomplished here. Such meticulous work went into recreating landmarks throughout southwestern Pennsylvania, not just Pittsburgh. Along the perimeter are informational plaques that clue you into where/​what you see in front of you.
The one thing I enjoy most here is that they actually transition between day and night. With that you get to see just how dedicated to detail they were when creating this place. Every little house, building, and vehicle has some type of light that comes on to illuminate the small world set before you.
If you have a little one with you, makes sure to make your way to the back of the room where the conductor sits. The conductor will call over your little one and ask them to blow the train whistle. Such a thrill for you to see and more of a thrill for the little one you have with you.
By the time that you have completed the loop you kind of want to start all over again.

One of the highlights of Christmas in Pittsburgh is a visit to the Miniature Railroad & Village at the Carnegie Science Center. Who doesn’t love trains chugging along a miniature village? For over fifty years people have marveled at the turn of the century village consisting of greater Pittsburgh area landmarks like Forbes Field (sans light towers since its depicted to be the Forbes Field built in 1909) the Monongahela Incline, the Point Bridge, Falling Water, and Luna Park. That’s only a few of the Landmarks! Watch as the sun goes down and the village lights up at sundown. This is a classic Pittsburgh tradition!