Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

The 999 Steam Locomotive was a new concept in speed locomotives. Engine 999 was assigned to haul the New York Central Railroad's brilliant new passenger train, the Empire State Express. On May 10, 1893, the 999 became the fastest land vehicle when it reached a record speed of 112.5 mph. The 999 maintained the record for a decade.

Designed by William Buchanan and manufactured by the New York Central Railroad in West Albany, New York in 1893, the 999 was commissioned to haul the Empire State Express, which ran from Syracuse to Buffalo. This relatively smooth run and the 999's cutting-edge design gave the new locomotive an opportunity to make history.

Following its record-setting run, "The World's Fastest Locomotive" toured the country and was displayed at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. After the Exposition, the 999 continued to provide passenger and freight service for many years. The famous locomotive returned to Chicago in 1933 for the Century of Progress World's Fair and again from 1948-49 for the Chicago Railroad Fair.

Eventually, technological innovation in the railroad industry limited the 999's use. In May of 1952, following a reenactment of its record-breaking run, the 999 was retired from service.

In 1962, the Museum of Science and Industry acquired the 999 and displayed it outside. Following a complete restoration from June to October 1993, the 999 was brought inside to its present location in November 1993.

Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago / image RWH

n 1876 the fastest scheduled railroad service from New York City to San Francisco took seven days. This problem sparked the desire for improved transportation and greater speed which resulted in the creation of a steam locomotive named the Empire State Express No. 999. William Buchanan, a master mechanic and superintendent of motive power on the West Albany Shops, drew plans for what was to become the world's most beautiful locomotive ever built. The construction of this 37 feet long engine was by hand with chisels and hammers and was the first of its kind to have brakes applied to the front trucks. Everything about the No. 999 was designed for speed with no pains spared for beauty. The bands, pipes and trimming were highly polished; the brass shone like a mirror; the cap was beautifully painted and across the tender (coal storage car) was written in 2.5 foot high gold leaf lettering"Empire State Express". Hand polishing provided a black satin finish and the 86-inch drive wheels gave the No. 999 a powerful appearance.

As the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago approached every country was planning to exhibit the fastest engine. On May 9, 1893 Charlie Hogan, from Batavia, an experienced and dependable engine pilot took over the untested locomotive at Rochester and was 25 minutes late due to boiler trouble. While passing through Batavia, Hogan kept opening the throttle and when the No. 999 arrived in Buffalo, it had run the 69 miles from Rochester in 68 minutes. The estimated speed was 102 miles per hour. Word spread of this marvelous run and the next morning when Hogan took the No. 999 back to Syracuse crowds turned out to see the "Queen of Speed". In the afternoon the No. 999 again headed westward towards Buffalo but this time railroad officials were on board to record the speed. Between Batavia and Corfu, Engineer Hogan opened the throttle all the way and the No. 999 responded with 112.5 miles per hour by the time it sped through the Village of Crittenden, in Erie County. The speed was recorded by train officials and newspaper reporters who clocked off mile posts using hand-held stop watches. In the hands of a great engineer and a competent fireman, who fed coal to the furnace, the No. 999 marked its place in history as being the first thing on wheels to go over 100 miles per hour and had set a "world record".

Genesee County History Department

Generations of guests have enjoyed model train experiences at MSI. Now, The Great Train Story provides the most enthralling one yet. A centerpiece of the Transportation Gallery, this interactive model railroad features more than 20 trains winding through a continental journey replicated in astonishing detail and scope. From the heights of Rocky Mountain ranges and Chicago skyscrapers, down to the tiniest crossing lights and floating seabirds, this massive scale model can be seen many times and still reveals something new on every visit.

Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

The Boeing 727 returns to its 1960s glamour to take you on a tour of modern aviation. It’s been more than 25 years since the 727 landed at MSI. Turns out that was just the beginning. In a newly reimagined exhibit, Take Flight celebrates the historic United Airlines plane and explores how the airline industry connects people around the world.

See a section of the 727 as it looked on its first flights in 1964. We also peeled back the skin of the airplane to show mechanical, electronic and hydraulic systems. Learn about the science behind side effects passengers may experience at high altitudes, like turbulence and dehydration, and ways to overcome them. Talk to United Airlines pilots who volunteer at the exhibit, sharing stories about their career and answering questions about how planes fly.

Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago