The Great Siberian was an train ride that utilized illusion over true movement. Visitors entered a Moscow railroad station and boarded one of four real Pullman cars behind a locomotive; but the train didn’t move forward. Whistles blared,
engines roared, cars shook, while passengers viewed layered rolling murals that accentuated the depth of the Russian countryside such as: Irkoutsk and Manchuria. Invisible blowers shot Russian air at the passengers to heightened the motion and reality. `Stops’ were made in various cities where passengers could disembark and mingle with Russian actors.
Upon the final stop, passengers would get off and for an additional 10 cents, visit a Russian Village. There, actors performed a wedding ceremony and showcased local music. Featured was a popular performance by the Russian Dance Troupe of 40 persons (for an additional charge).
Exhibit Statictics:
Building cost: 
32,000 dollars
Price of Admission- 25 cents adults 15 cents children
Exhibition Profit- 85,310.30 dollars
additional 10 cents for Russian Village
add. 25 cents adult/15 children cents for Dance troupe
Lee Gaskins' AT THE FAIR The 1904 St. Louis World's Fair
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