(The following article by Matt Campbell was posted on the Kansas City Star website on August 28.)
KANSAS CITY — Visitors to Union Station soon will be able to virtually operate, or even crash, a train.
A locomotive simulator that was used to train thousands of railroad engineers will become part of the KC Rail Experience, a museum opening next month at Union Station.
The 7,500-pound behemoth will dominate the entrance to the museum.
“Screens will show you the track and scenery going by, and you will be able to pull the cords, blow the horn, ring the bell, speed up and slow down,” said Andi Udris, Union Station director.
A vibration system in the floor will add to the effect, and the visuals “will be so responsive that as you move the throttle you will be moving down the track faster, and if you’re not careful you’ll crash the train,” Udris said.
The simulator was donated to Union Station by the BNSF Railway, which used it at its training center at Johnson County Community College from 1988 until about 2000. It was replaced by more modern, digital systems.
Originally, the simulator moved on a six-point hydraulic system that pitched and yawed like some amusement park rides.
“It was quite impressive,” said Larry Konecny, BNSF training manager at the National Academy of Railroad Sciences.
A crane was required this week to lift the simulator out of a hole cut through a wall at the community college. The simulator will be painted in current BNSF colors before installation at Union Station.
The railroad also donated a smaller, half-cab simulator that will be accessible to the disabled.
The KC Rail Experience will include railroad memorabilia, restored rail cars and an intricate model train exhibit. It opens Sept. 23.