The national museum of transportation is situated in Kirkwood, Missouri, outside St. Luis. It is a 42-acre land that holds a wide range of different types of vehicles from the history of America. The museum has the largest collection of transportation of about 190 artifacts, which includes at least 70 engines. The museum has also displayed various other forms of transport used earlier in America, such as planes, towboats, and much more.
The mission of this museum is to protect the history of transportation in America as well as to create awareness among people about the ancient roots of transport. The museum also accommodates a library for transportation research.
The national museum of transportation has its own railway as well, which permits the museum to own large and unique pieces of railroad equipment. There is currently a small railroad operating near the parking lot and a full-sized trolley, which also operates seasonally.
Check out some of the types of transportation vehicles that the museum has to offer:
Rail and Freight
Refrigerator Car
These cars were used as freezers and radiators. The car supported a design that was used to cool down all of the production in summer. It could carry at least 5 tons of ice. They were also used to heat up the load during winters.
Milk Tank Car
This car was used for loading milk through a pipe. The tank of the car was emptied by using pipes connected to the outer side of the car. The tanks were cleaned and sanitized by workers after unloading the milk.
Auto
St. Louis Motor Carriage
This vehicle was founded by George Preston Dorris and John French in 1898. The marketing, engineering, and production were headed by Dorris and French themselves. The St. Louis motor carriage was one of the oldest automobiles introduced.
Chrysler Turbine Car
This particular car was hand made by Ghia in Italy. It was later shifted to the United States for the installation of its engine. The engine that was installed in this car was compatible with many different fuels, required little maintenance, and lasted longer than other engines.
Stanley Steamer
These cars used a combustion engine. The boiler would generate enough power, which could also be used later. Kerosene was used to ignite the pilot and the main burner of the external engine as it generated more heat compared to gasoline.
The museum holds various other types of transportation as well. Each vehicle has a fascinating historical story behind it. If you are planning a trip to St. Luis, you should not miss out on a tour of the national museum of transportation.
