Steampunk train is biggest matchstick model in the world

Made From Over 1,000,000 Matchsticks

A train bound for New York City is an ordinary event – but not when it’s a train made from one million matchsticks and its destination is Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square Odditorium . Then you’re talking extraordinary!

The train measures 22 feet long, 13 feet wide and 9 feet high. It is slated to be one of signature exhibits at Ripley’s Times Square.

Ripley’s commissioned the train from master matchstick artist Pat Acton.

This is not just his largest creation, but it’s the biggest matchstick model in the world .

Acton spent 14 months building the locomotive in a steampunk style, complete with wings and interactive, working parts.

“Plane Loco” as it’s called, is interactive. Visitors will be able to imagine they’re driving this one-of-a-kind wonder as they work the throttle, brake and forward levers – all of which move.

“This train is an incredible work on its own, but the fact that Pat built it one single matchstick at a time is what visitors will find truly mind-boggling,” said Edward Meyer, Ripley’s VP of Exhibits and Archives.

The Train by the Numbers:

• Over 1,000,000 matchsticks

• 750+ pounds

• 35 gallons of wood glue

• 3,000 hours to build

The train was trucked from Acton’s studio in Iowa to New York City in 70 separate pieces. It was reassembled inside Ripley’s Times Square Odditorium.