MORRISTOWN, NJ.- This winter at the
Morris Museum, train enthusiasts of all ages will marvel at the spectacular 288 square foot interactive mega model train display. The Museum’s newest acquisition from Mondelēz International, will delight all generations as trains travel through cities, small towns and the countryside. The magnificently crafted display includes:
· 37 diesel and steam locomotives including “The Polar Express,” “The Commodore Vanderbilt,” and “the Blue Comet”;
· 110 rolling stock cars;
· 42 passenger rail cars;
· 47 interactive working accessories that visitors can operate including rail yard lights, building lights, railroad sound effects, signals and animated figures;
· 139 cars, trucks and motorcycles on local roads and a main highway;
· and 84 skyscrapers
“The Morris Museum is privileged to be the new home for this beautifully hand-crafted mega model train display. This display has a long history in Morris County, having been displayed during the holidays at Nabisco, now part of Mondelēz International, since 1985. Our Museum will proudly continue this tradition for the families of northern New Jersey and beyond,” said Linda Moore, Morris Museum Executive Director. The NJ Hi-Railers will be on-hand at the Museum to assist in running the display and answering any questions visitors might have about model railroads.
History of the Mondelēz International Train
Since 1985, Nabisco, (now part of Mondelēz International) has displayed this holiday train display in its East Hanover lobby. At the time, many iconic Nabisco products including Oreo and Triscuit were already seen on Lionel rolling stock, so a holiday train display was a natural fit for the company.
The model “O” display was built from scratch by employees and pieces were added each year until 2002 when a reusable mobile display was created. Nine- 4x8 tables that roll together to create a 12’ x 24’ mid-summer scene with freight and passenger trains that run simultaneously on six tracks through the countryside, suburbia and into a modern city.
