A Family Perspective of the National Rail Museum

I thought I'd just put up a few more photos from our trip to the National Rail Museum from last weekend... and yes, it's just an excuse to share some photos of L-kun. Especially with Otousan and Okaasan back in Sapporo.

As mentioned previously, L-kun has a habit of being totally underwhelmed (at least externally) when we've visited "events". Except for fireworks. And parties. So it was with some doubts that we approached the Thomas day; especially given that L-kun's not really a Thomas fan. Perhaps thanks to his parents manipulation and denial of universal Thomas rights. Still... he was saying for the whole week, "Daddy, Mummy - when can we see Thomas?".

Now, we were introduced to the Fat Controller in the previous posts. He was sort of the roving MC of the Thomas event, and when we got on the Thomas (aka Bub) train ride he was there to see us off. Of course, I'm not entirely sure that L-kun knew who he was... but he did have a Trouble Book, and that's got to mean something...

Around we went... wave to Mummy!

And this is what it looked like from the other end of the camera...

And I have to say that L-kun's mood was great the whole trip. The museum may not be as interactive as we would have liked, but it has enough things to do to keep even mildly interested children occupied for ages.

Now around lunchtime there was an event called something like "The Fat Controller Polishes the Engine"... and whilst I was a little concerned at what that might mean (euphemistically) we went along. As it turned out, it wasn't the Fat Controller doing the polishing at all, but rather it was up to the children to volunteer to polish a Gordan-substitute. L-kun didn't need to be asked twice. Indeed he didn't even need to be asked once, but grabbed a cloth and started polishing without and direction from parents at all. Why can't he do that more around our home though! By the way - any OH&S specialists (or lawyers) should look away now. I was surprised that they were encouraging the kids to get up on the engine itself to clean....

His efforts didn't go without being noticed however, and the Fat Controller tapped me on the shoulder and whispered that L-kun had been selected as the "Best Boy" polisher along with a "Best Girl". At the end of the polishing (and I think the kids could have kept polishing nigh on all afternoon), the Fat Controller announced that Gordon was well-pleased by all that good work (ok... the eruption of smoke from Gordon's smokestack was just a little worrying)...L-kun was called up to the front, along with a girl of the same age.

I'm sure he had absolutely no idea what was going on, and whilst L-kun's a bit of a ham when he's with us... normally he can be quite shy. He did however tell everyone his name, quite proudly... and received a "Driver" Puppet for his efforts.

He may not have been sure why he received the puppet, but he was well pleased. Of course, Mummy and Daddy knew all along that he was the Best Boy.

Now I thought I'd just throw in a couple more of my arty shots. You can tell they're arty, as they're black and white. 

And this is my film noir homage (noting that this might have been more effective if it was night-time, and if L-kun were carrying a cigarette or a gun - preferably both)...[Note: this blog does not condone the use of cigarettes, guns or excessive use of a B&W filter... especially when involving children]

Of course, it's not all about the B&W. L-kun hard at work - even in colour.

And just to show that the National Rail Museum isn't a one train museum... this guy's the real work-horse of the museum, doing most of the load carrying. Bub's (Thomas) is the show-pony. 

Oh - and for those that were wondering from the northern hemisphere... yes, this is the middle of winter. It was a glorious day in Adelaide... cool in the evening, but a beautiful day to go out and about. We complain about the winters a lot, but the reality is that we have it pretty good here.

And here's another shot of my beautiful wife (below). That's the one in the distance, on the right (just in case). Unfortunately, T-chan prefers not being in the photos (at least not the ones on the blog).

 And here's one of yours truly along with Mr Smiley, L-kun.

Actually...it was great day... and it's always good when the first thing that L-kun says is, "when can we come again, Daddy?".

National Rail Museum - Off To Meet Thomas The Tank Engine

We went to the National Railway Museum down at Port Adelaide yesterday... and if you're from Adelaide, and you have children, you most probably would know that the museum runs an annual week-long event where they do a "Thomas the Tank Engine" theme. This is the first time that any of us had been to the museum  though I'd been meaning to go for some time.

For this event, entry is pretty steep - $19 per adult, and $6 per child... and also a little inconsistent. They have a family deal for $40 for a family of 2 adults and 3 children. Er... That doesn't make a whole heap of sense. Always ask for the family deal if it's cheaper (and ignore the 3 kids part). The entry fee also doesn't include all costs involved - and rides on the three trains cost $3 per person, with children 2 and under free. Once again... this seems to be more a guide than a rule... and L-kun travelled for free. Note - it's significantly cheaper if you go outside these event times.

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Now there's not a whole heap of Thomas things there... other than a lot of merchandise. They do have their own "Fat Controller"... or Sir Totham Hatt if you please, who is the roving MC. Not to mention crowd-control, what with his Trouble Book.

And of course, they do have their own "Thomas" too...which the kids can ride around on a large circular track. Actually the face-plate's a special even thing... normally he's known as "Bub"... according to his name plate. He also needs some help from a second engine (a Percy lookalike)... hiding behind.

The other main non-Thomas attraction is Peronne, a narrow gauge steam train that is used on special events. The trains don't go very far - and this is one criticism of the museum... in fact they just go for about out of the compound, past the aviation museum before returning. So don't go in with expectations of a long trip. Still, it's a fun experience for the children.

The inside of the Peronne carriages are a fun way  to travel. It's also great to open the windows (a little difficult at times) and enjoy the smell and sound of the old steam locomotives at work.

The Museam was started in 1963, and the buildings date from 1988... Now the museum is really just that... it's where you'll find a slice of the rail heritage of the state (if not the nation). And there is a fair bit of heritage there with lots of different trains, and different styles of trains.

But of course - given that it is a "Thomas" event, there are a few additions that have been included...

Still, if you're a boy (or a boy at heart) or you've got a mechanical bent, then these trains are a wonder of the industrialised world. I love taking photos of these sorts of things... but I have to admit that I'm not quite a good enough photographer to do it justice. It's also a little difficult being inside... 

Most of the carriages can't be entered, and this would be something that I hope changes. It would be much nicer to make the exhibits more interactive, or at least accessible. There are a number of static displays and re-constructions (e.g. of rail offices) but they're separated from the viewer, so once again, aren't very interactive.

There's a very good model train that spans perhaps about 25-30 metres of table that stretches around one of the rooms... and takes in a model of Port Adelaide, Terowie (strangely mis-named Tarcowie, which is another mid-North town) and the Adelaide Hills. 

The rail network in Australia developed haphazardly, and as a result there were a number of different gauges (widths) employed even within the State of South Australia. This eventually always limited Australian rail as a means of transport due to the need to tranship all goods from broad to narrow gauge. Actually, Terowie has a special place in our family history, as it did for many South Australians during the height of the rail commerce in Australia. Indeed during WWII, Terowie, this was the site of a huge Army camp used as a staging point due the need to transfer rail gauges. From a height of 2000 residents, the town has declined to barely over 200 as the rail line was removed in the 1980's... a testament of the importance of rail, and the country's dependency on the lifeblood of commerce and work.

Overall, my impression of the museum is a little mixed. I think that the "Thomas" event is over-sold, as there's not really much there that is specific to the series. There are however lots of side attractions, such as bands, magicians, entertainers and a Jumping Castle. L-kun (it may surprise you) is not the most expressive child when it comes to "events"... but he actually was very happy to run around here all day (we spent a good 5 hours). I think it's overly expensive (I can't imagine taking a lot more children there) for what you get, and it really needs to be more involving. However, as a piece of our relatively short history it has an important part to play.

Be aware that it gets very busy around lunchtime... and plan to avoid this time if you can... especially if you want to ride on "Thomas" aka Bub. If you're children love Thomas, this is definitely a must see event - but don't expect too much (other than there will be plenty of Thomas merchandise available)... but there's so much more than just Thomas there... 

Steven ter Horst Chocolatier... Devouring Delicious Delectables

Just thought I'd throw out a plug for a small, but gorgeous eatery in Adelaide; Steven ter Horst Chocolatier at 221D Unley Road, Unley. We came here a while ago now, after a night out with some friends of ours that had recently returned from Japan. Actually, they had known the owner, Steven, from a previous line of work and had introduced us.

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The claim to fame are the hand-made 'Belgian' chocolates... and there's a wide enough selection of these to keep even the most ardent sweet-tooth happy. Including L-kun, who was mesmerised by all of the different types of chocolate. But it was late, so he only was allowed one. Parents can be so cruel.

Supposedly, all the chocolates are named after female figures in his life... don't ask me who the 'Hedgehog' was named after though (I suppose she knows who she is). But the one thing is that they all look absolutely delectable.  

As I mentioned, there's also a range of absolutely divine handmade desserts. Be prepared to do exercise in the morning. In the meantime, grab a bite to eat, and a lovely drink and relax amidst a very soothing (and mouth watering) ambience.

And there's a great selection of drinks to be had - and yes you can even buy from a range of different flavoured teas as well.

Unfortunately I only had my small pocket P&S camera, so the photos aren't that good (and I've avoided showing other people in the photos out of courtesy). I'll have to come back here again (and of course... if I'm there, it would be rude not to grab a chocolate or three). Be warned however, it's only a small cafe, and is very popular. It's advisable to book ahead on 8373 1330... especially in the evening.

Enjoy!