STEAM Museum in Swindon

When friends come to Swindon to stay for a few days, the question of how to entertain them, especially after repeated visits can become quite a challenge. In effect, I'm devising a tourist's itinerary. Amazingly enough, I hadn't taken them to the STEAM Museum in Swindon
Described like this on their website:

'STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway is housed in a beautifully restored Grade II listed railway building in the heart of the former Swindon railway works. Situated opposite the Swindon Designer Outlet, the Museum tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway. See famous locomotives, ‘drive’ our train simulator and even work the signals in our interactive GWR signal box!'

We had a fabulous time walking round, there is so much to see, fascinating recordings and so much attention to detail, I particularly loved the examples of different types of wood and their uses in train making.

I wasn't going to take photos, but took some for my friend's grandchildren, and then a few more, I could have taken so many more.

 The trains are in wonderful condition and beautifully maintained:

 The reconstructions of platforms, peopled with very realistic models dressed authentically and slightly smaller than life size:

 Below a buffet car

 and Queen Victoria's beautifully appointed  Royal Saloon Coach made in 1897, there a video here

 made by SimON Trains.

 There's a great section on posters advertising various places reached by train, the one above from 1927 advertising Torquay, which was known as the capital of the English Riviera. Below the poster comparing Cornwall and Italy is very amusing, sadly it can't really be seen because of the reflections from the glass. It says 'See your own country first, there is a great similarity between Cornwall and Italy in shape, climate and natural beauties.'

 and this one for the Cornish Riviera is delightful. 'Visit Cornwall for Scenery, Sunshine and Health'

 Great place to visit.