The Franklin Institute

The Train Factory

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Locomotive icon

How often do you get the chance to climb aboard a 350-ton Baldwin steam locomotive? Imagine yourself as the engineer of this massive engine in our simulated train factory. You’ll feel the heat of the steam and hear the sounds of the machines as you learn about the science and technology of trains. Learn firsthand how steam and coal powered the first locomotives and discover how diesel, electricity, and magnetic levitation are used to power modern day locomotives to travel longer distances at greater speeds.

This is an authentic learning opportunity for exploring physical science concepts like energy, pressure, friction, and magnetic force. Look for simple machines in the workings of the complex design of the steam locomotive. With propulsion provided by steam, the states of matter are also on vivid display. All aboard! Next stop: The Train Factory!

As part of The Franklin Institute's health & safety protocol, access to the cab and coal bin of the Baldwin 60,000 locomotive has been restricted and a plexiglass barrier has been added to enable Guests to pass through the cab. 


Fun Fact: The Baldwin 60000 arrived at The Franklin Institute on September 22, 1933. It took five days to move the locomotive five blocks from 24th and Vine Street to the Museum.

Things to Do and See in The Train Factory

  • A boy and his father watch as the massive Baldwin 60000 is brought to life at The Franklin Institute.
    Be an Engineer on the Massive Baldwin 60000 Locomotive

    All aboard! Steam is building and rising from the top of the Baldwin 60000 Locomotive. It’s ready to leave the station. Next stop: Learning!

  • Design a Train interactive in the Train Factory exhibit at The Franklin Institute.
    Design a Train

    Get creative and choose a train style to decorate, add power, and decide where you want it to go. Watch your train in action and then email your creation home!

  • Photo of visitors playing around a train in the train factory exhibit
    See Magnetic Forces in Action

    Experiment with magnets and see their push and pull force live on screen in this new interactive that uses augmented reality technology.

  • Steam engine interactive in the Train Factory exhibit at The Franklin Institute.
    Discover How Steam Engines Work

    Control the flow of steam to make your engine chug.

  • A young girl learning how the wheels on a train track work in the Train Factory exhibit at The Franklin Institute.
    Keep the Train Wheels Running Right on Track

    Investigate the effect of wheel shape on how well a train travels.

  • What Kind of Train is This?
    What Kind of Train is This?

    So many kinds of train cars! Watch them go by. Can you tell the difference between them?

Interactive Map

Floor

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Map of the first floor, showing the locations of major, permanent exhibits, the Planetarium, and Foucault’s Pendulum.
Map of the first floor, showing the locations of major, permanent exhibits, the Planetarium, and Foucault’s Pendulum.