This battery-powered train is modeled after an American Locomotive Company (ALCO) line. Trains in this company were used by many railroads across the U.S., including the New York Central and other lines running into St. Louis. The City Express engine is 1/8 the size of the original, weighs 800 pounds, and uses two DC motors run by three 12 volt batteries.
The train was donated to City Museum by native St. Louisan Samuel B. Murphy and his wife, Barbara C. Murphy. A lifelong train enthusiast, Sam Murphy had this model built by David and Will Kloppenberg in Union, Missouri. It took two years to complete and made its first run in 1997. Murphy wanted to share his love of trains with the world by donating this model to City Museum.
The train is open from 11-5pm during Museum operating days.