Area second-graders took a trip on a kid-powered time machine last week during educational excursions at the Northern Pacific Railway Museum in Toppenish.
The time machine, otherwise known as a pump car, was just one of a half-dozen learning stations set up at the museum during the excursions.
Visiting students also got a ride through the railroad yard in a vintage 1946 Northern Pacific day/night passenger coach, a tour of a restored caboose from the 1970s, a walking tour of the train yard, and a guided tour of the museum.
Also on the excursion agenda was an interactive Washington State Operation Lifesaver program on railroad safety.
Excursions began with the Operation Lifesaver training, especially important since trains run through all the communities where the students live.
As part of the safety presentation, each student was given a take-home activity book to help reinforce the information.
Students taking the excursions are from Garfield, Kirkwood, Valley View, and Lincoln elementary schools in Toppenish, Satus, Camas, and Adams elementary schools in Wapato, and Mt. Adams Elementary in Harrah.
During their guided tour through the NP Museum, students see a fully restored Pullman berth, authentic NP china, and the restored telegrapher’s office.
In the railroad yard, students are introduced to a McCann snowplow, an old-time automobile car, a kerosene car, and other rolling stock.
They also learn about the concepts of steam power and mechanical engineering when they stand next to #2152 1909 Baldwin steam engine.
The NP passenger coach was part of the excursions for the first time this year, as was the restored pump car.
The car provided the opportunity for four students at a time to propel themselves for about 200 yards round trip, with a museum staff member acting as a brakeman.
Sponsors pay for the admission for all second-graders in the Mt. Adams, Toppenish, and Wapato school districts.
This year’s sponsors are AB Foods of Toppenish, 7 Star Transport of Toppenish, the Toppenish branch of Yakima Valley Credit Union, Yakama Nation Legends Casino, Valley Fruit of Wapato, Washington State Operation Lifesaver, and Major S. Sherman, Jr. of Vancouver, Wash.