Cased collections illustrate steps in the growth of the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad (later the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad) from 1834 to 1960, occupations and "tools of the trade," special aspects of railroad life (Pullman, dining car, brotherhoods, etc.) and more. Full-size recreations describe life in maintenance-of-way activities, station agents, and clerical work. Railyard items include a 1910 steam locomotive on display, boxcar with "hobos," caboose, and original signaling items. Model demonstrations trace the evolution from 100-year-old toy trains to the latest in craftsmanship and logical controls.