Local science museum hosts 34th annual model train show

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - The Museum of Innovation and Science, MiSci, is hosting its 34th annual model train show. The show began on Nov. 29 and runs until Jan. 15 and features a 19 by 27-foot display that depicts how trains have transformed transportation and affected the growth of the country.

The show goes from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and costs $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for children. The show brought in nearly 300 people daily for the past week. The museum science communicator Frank Torncello said the show is made to model train operations within the history of Schenectady.

"We try to as closely as possible to replicate the authenticity of the trains that appeared back then and today," Torncello said. "Schenectady has a deep history of trains because we used to have ALCO, the American Locomotive Company, based here in Schenectady for a number of years."

Torncello also said that despite the financial strain the museum has been facing, the employees remain hopeful that the museum has a bright future. Earlier this month the museum was granted $10 million from the 2025 county budget as well as other funds from different organizations to aid in the operations of the museum.

"It's a tremendous plus for the entire community," Torncello said. "We are grateful that we were able to secure funding to maintain our existence, and we look forward to a bright future."