Four States Fall 2018 - 20 - EnterTRAINment (3)

Continuing in this section is a Middle Period rail yard and a working re-creation of the Cincinnati Coney Island amusement park. Although the origin of this park dates back to 1867, this replica is based on the 1965 era.

Here's another view. Notice the working aerial gondola ride.
Here is a portion of the working model of the famous Shooting Star roller coaster.

A working 4-foot high ferris wheel with roller coaster in the background. White post in center is part of the gondola ride.

The above features are surround by other rides and attractions in use at that time.

On the other side of the walkway is the working rail yard. You may be familiar with a round house. Train engines and cars are moved onto a rotating table as they come into the work area. Then they are swiveled into the right direction to go into the work house. This offers maximum flexibility in moving heavy train cars in and out of the proper location as work is needed. Mike and I have seen a few of these in person. Impressive!

Another work area with trains zipping by.

A more modern train loading station (to the right). Huge cranes lift whole containers from big rigs onto a flatbed rail cars for long distance cargo hauling.

This is one style of a funicular train. They are used in steep vertical situations. A cable attached under the car draws it up or lets it down in a controlled drop. Mike and I rode one of these in Pittsburgh, and my mom and I rode a much longer track in Hong Kong. Google it for more info.

Also, three storage tanks with 1,800 gallons of water supply the waterfall (in the 1860s section) and river features throughout the exhibit.