[SEL] Smithsonian stuff

[Judge Tommy Turner]

Paul,

They haven't revamped the engine display but did rework some of the 
exhibits next door to it.  There is some very neat stuff to see there 
for sure.  The real disappointment that I have with the Smithsonian is 
that the former Centennial Exposition building has been completely 
changed.  Until about 6 years ago it contained a lot of neat items that 
were indicitive of the Centennial Exposition of 1876.  There were a 
couple of atmospheric engines, a couple of slide valve horizontals, all 
kinds of machine tools, etc.  The kind of stuff that would catch most of 
our interests.  I understand that a portion of it has been moved to 
another location (possibly Steamtown in PA?).  Nevertheless, the advice 
you give Rick is right on track.  A day (or two or three) to the 
Smithsonian is certainly worth the trip.

Tommy Turner
Magnolia, Ky





Paul + Colleen Gray wrote:

> Rick- By all means you'll be amazed at the stuff in the Smithsonian. 
> They have lots of  EARLY steamers, Atkinson-cycle and Brayton-cycle 
> engines. The only other Brayton cycle I have seen was in the Great Falls 
> Museum in Patterson, NJ . I was at the Smithsonian about 2 years ago and 
> I believe they were revamping the engine display.
> 
> If you are going to do research there, be sure to arrange it in advance. 
> If they know you are coming and that you are associated with a museum, I 
> think they'll treat you right. There is a nice lunch to be had at the 
> Chapel next to the old museum building on the west-central end of the 
> grounds for reasonable $$$. I think it is open to the public now.
> 
> Also take the metro to either Rosslyn or Dupont circle. There are two of 
> the largest escalators I have ever seen there; something like 300' long- 
> scary for us acrophobics.
> 
> Paul
> 
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