All aboard! All aboard! (April 30, 2004)

Train town exhibit pulling into station

Train whistles still are part of downtown as the freight cars glide through Pleasanton - not to mention ACE and BART, two efficient choices for commuters.

The Museum On Main Street exhibit opening tomorrow, May 1, explores trains as part of our history and in our modern lives. On opening day, the first 200 people who attend the exhibit at $5 will also enjoy ice cream on the front lawn.

"Put Your Hands on Valley Railroad History" will have six railway history themes depicted in vintage photographs, documents, maps, equipment and interactive exhibits. They include what it was like being a passenger in the old days; train wrecks, dangers and working conditions; and the railroad in our daily lives.

The European Train Enthusiasts Club will have an operating G-scale model railroad set up from May 1-23, and other special exhibits will run through Aug. 29 when the railroad exhibit ends.

Three lectures are also scheduled in conjunction with the exhibit: Ą May 27 - Randy Hees will speak on the Transcontinental Railroad; Ą June 3 - Dan Mosier, on coal town Tesla's Alameda and San Joaquin Railroad; Ą July 15 - Gene Skoropowski, on the future of passenger railroads.

All lectures are at 7 p.m. at the museum, cost $5, and require reservations.

Sources for the exhibit include private collections, the Stanford University photo collection, and items from the Pacific Locomotive Association and Sunset Models. -Dolores Fox Ciardelli
On track at the Museum

What: "Put Your Hands on Valley Railroad History" Where: Museum On Main Street, 603 Main St. When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 1-4 p.m. Sunday Cost: $2 requested donation Other: Exhibit opens Saturday, May 1, with ice cream outdoors for first 200 people at $5 per person

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