I only had a couple hours to look around the museum, and most of the big artifacts were ones I've seen in other museums. What I spent some time on was the Pioneer Zephyr train of 1934. It was the first streamlined diesel/electric locomotive. After breaking a speed record, the train went on exhibit at the world's fair that year. Then it went into regular service until 1960. While the engineering was a breakthrough, the industrial design is what I admire because the unique look of the train, and along with its popularity, inspired a wave of art deco consumer products.

I was really hoping the full-scale model of the Cassini Saturn probe would be on display, but all they had was a dinky little kiosk. I'm not sure why.

- mike lee - chicago