Pennsylvania Train Museum and Steam Train Ride

The Train Museum

A working steam train

 I'm not sure I need to say more, for those who know my kids. For those who don't, Strasburg PA (Pennsylvania), has a train museum, which is a big shed with trains (steam and diesel) done up and parked in it, as well as a room off the side with more toy/model trains than I have ever seen at once. There are various displays about jobs on the trains (and around them), and the development of the Pennsylvania train line, which linked up two major cities at the time, Philadelphia and New York.
Across the road they have a train track with a working steam train and you can get a ride, and taste the coal dust for yourself. We rode in the open carriages, where small pieces of soot fell on us, and I recommend sunnies for eye protection. It was hugely fun, and it was even nicer to see the happy dance on the platform (the eldest because he was excited, the youngest because he is in a me too phase). It is sometimes wearying to be always providing loving boundaries, and sort of a bit of a relief when you can just make them ecstatically happy.
Tip for riding on the train - there is more view from the RHS of the carriage as the train leaves the station.
The train only goes around 13 miles, then turns around and comes back, but that is a good length of time for small attention spans, and a good way to see some country side.
My take away thoughts? Those trains, steam and diesel are big!! I felt awe inspired and a bit excited myself.