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Train World

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Train World

Train World is a railway museum in Belgium and the official museum of the National Railway Company of Belgium. It is situated in the buildings of Schaarbeek railway station, Belgium's oldest surviving station, and in a new shed built to its north. Although scheduled to open in 2014, its opening was delayed until September 2015. The Museum was solemnly opened by King Philippe.

The museum is over 8,000 square metres (86,000 sq ft) and displays 22 locomotives. It also displays 1,200 other objects, including an original 19th century railway bridge. One of the most important objects in the museum is the "Pays de Waes" locomotive, dating to 1842, which is the oldest preserved locomotive in Continental Europe. One room is given over entirely to clocks, and one wall to advertising posters. A gallery is used to display model railway bridges. A steam crane is displayed outside the building.

Entrance is through the original station buildings, where there is a café. In the main shed the level of ambient lighting is low, with exhibits illuminated by spotlights. Maps are projected onto the walls and floor to show the development of Europe's railway network. Stairs and a lift lead to two levels of galleries. Labels are brief and in four languages (Dutch, French, German and English), but the lack of detail, which is frustrating for railway amateurs, is compensated by an audio guide. A shop selling books and souvenirs is sites at the exit.

References

Train World Wikipedia