An Unexpected Experience at the Benson, Arizona Visitor Center

While exploring around Benson we recently stopped by the Benson Visitor Center in the middle of town that also serves at the train station.

Inside we could not help but notice the large model train set suspended from the 11-foot ceiling, with track circling the entire room.  Being rather inquisitive, Bill had to ask the clerk if the train actually worked.

The lady said, "Yes is does, now follow me!"

She took Bill into an adjoining room to the setup you see above.  It is a replica of the instrumentation inside an actual locomotive, and it controlled the overhead G-Gage model train.  After about one minute's instruction the train was on the move with Bill at the controls.

The only thing missing was a real engineer's hat.  We found out that funding for the model train project came through a grant from the Union Pacific Railroad Foundation.

  If you get to Benson stop by and try your hand at driving a train.