Welcome to Thursday Doors! This is a weekly challenge for people who love doors and architecture to come together to admire and share their favorite door photos, drawings, or other images or stories from around the world. If you’d like to join us, simply create your own Thursday Doors post each (or any) week and then share a link to your post in the comments below, anytime between 12:01 am Thursday morning and Saturday noon (North American eastern time). If you like, you can add our badge to your post.

in primo piano – photos

Important Note: There will be NO THURSDAY DOORS next week, June 20th.

I love two things about the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh. One: the exhibits change so there’s always something new to see, and Two: the model trains are always there. They do change a little over time, but the layout is always there. At least in my experience. The layout is built from natural materials wherever possible. They add one building/scene each year (chosen by popular vote).

The display represents the history of the area of western Pennsylvania, and I know most of the features. I’ve added short captions, so as not to distract your view. Since several people are asking about the history:

Since it was first displayed at the Buhl Planetarium in 1954, the Miniature Railroad & Village® has been an important Pittsburgh tradition. It all started at the brink of the Roaring ’20s with a man named Charles Bowdish of Brookville, Pa.

Charlie was the youngest son of Albert and Theodosia Bowdish. While serving in the army in WWI, he developed heart problems and received an honorable discharge. Afterward, he began building miniature railroad villages, the first holiday display beginning Christmas Eve 1919. It was an instant success! The years following, his display grew until it occupied most of the second floor of the Bowdish home.

Carnegie Science Center History

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

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144 responses to “CSC—Model Trains”

  1. I’m so glad to see this fun post, Dan. All those tiny doors!

    My doors post this week has kitchen doors — with a twist. Hugs.

    #ThursdayDoors — Guess the Kitchen – Teagan’s Books (teagansbooks.com)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yours was also a fun post, Teagan. This has been a great way to start a Thursday.

      Liked by 3 people

  2. […] adorned with vibrant street arts, we passed by the charming Bristol apartments, each boasting colourful double doors that added to their […]

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  3. Love this, Dan. Looks fun but very complicated to do I am sure. I wonder how long they did this? Have a good break next week.

    Here is mine for this week. https://wanderingteresa.com/bristol-drive-by-shots-of-double-doors/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you like this Teresa. It began in a man’s house in 1919. I’ve added a quote about the history to the story above the gallery.

      I enjoyed your doors today. Interesting how people assert their identity through doors.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks a lot Dan!

        Liked by 1 person

  4. absolutely great photos Dan 💜💜💜

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Willow! I love model trains.

      Like

  5. Beautifully modeled 🙂. My entry here:

    A door under the sky

    Liked by 2 people

    1. They’ve been building the layout for over 100 years.

      You have a very interesting post!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. […] Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors […]

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  7. I love this. My grandad had one, built by himself and I loved to see it working, the few times that it did.

    Here is mine:

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m glad you liked this, Sofia. I added a bit f history to the post. The layout began in 1919 by a man, like your grandfather, building it in his house. It has been on display in two science centers, a planetarium and the CS Center, and they’ve been adding to it every year. From one man building in his spare time at home, to a museum staff adding (one building each year) to it with the aid of 3D printers – it keeps growing.

      Thanks, too , for the lovely photo you shared.

      Liked by 3 people

  8. […] (Brian Dodd) shares photos of doors, but not just any doors. Spectacular doors from his journeys. Dan’s Thursday Doors opened the door on this. I love doors of all sorts. I’ve trawled through my photos and found […]

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  9. Hi Dan,

    It’s great to be back at Thursday doors again. These are really cute pictures…it’s amazing how they’ve made so many mini replicas of real communities.
    This is my link for the week https://smithavpennings.com/2024/06/13/thankful-thursday-130624-thursday-doors-japan-tanka-tuesday-and-a-little-chit-chat/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Welcome back, Smitha. The display also captures a little over 100 years of history from the region. I know about half of that, but I’ve heard stories and read history about much of the rest.

      Yours is a very moving post today. Thanks for sharing it with us.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I read your response to Sofia. That’s an interesting piece of history, and when you say museum staff is adding one building at a time over the ages, it makes sense. I couldn’t imagine one person doing this. But many make it all the more special, too.

        Thanks, Dan, for checking out my post. I am happy to be home.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Thanks, Smitha. I somewhat envy your travel experience, but I do like being home.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Hi Dan, I like being home, too. But since I moved to Dhaka, I’ve been traveling quite a bit. I try and stay atleast for two months generally. However, this time I got out after a month and a week. It gets in the way of my writing but I’m not complaining. :)

            Liked by 1 person

            1. As long as you’re enjoying your life. That’s the important thing.

              Liked by 1 person

            2. I hit send instead of starting a new paragraph. I meant to add that all of this adds to your experience, and that ultimately leads to interesting writing.

              Liked by 1 person

  10. […] visit Dan’s No Facilities site, to see what other door/architecture lovers have posted today. https://nofacilities.com/2024/06/13/csc-model-trains/ note. I know I have a lot of readers who like trains and all that goes with them.. another reason […]

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  11. Good morning everyone, I look forward to visiting all your posts,, Dan, loved the post, so many friends are train fanatics.. there was a shop in Merrickville where it is (or was I don’t know if it is still there) all about model trains, what an interesting place it was to visit… this is my post for today.. https://dymoonblog.com/2024/06/13/thursday-16/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed this post. There are lots of model train enthusiasts around the world. I’ve seen many train displays, but this is my favorite.

      Like

  12. Oh this is a fantastic presentation Dan! Great photos. From the amgles you choose the scenes felt real and actual sized. I had to keep reminding myself they are model representations.

    I love trains and the top down view of their history and impact on communities and travel was a marvelous experience. I couldn’t pick a favorite but the Allegheny Airport photo with the hotair ballon was enchantingly memorable!!

    Great post!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Suzette. The airport is one of my favorite parts of the exhibit, and I think it’s one of the older displays. In the past, they’ve had an airplane taking off as part of that display.

      Your post today was super interesting!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Wonderful share, Dan. I enjoyed your photo.

        Liked by 1 person

  13. That exhibit must really be something to see in person!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It is, Liz. I think I lose about 60 years as I enter. I feel like a little kid again in there.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. My dad and my little brother were big model train fans, too.

        Liked by 1 person

  14. I love it, Dan. As a kid, I saw Roadside America, in Shartlesville, PA and as you can see, I never forgot it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That had to be a treat, GP. That’s been closed, and I think we lost something very special.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Oh, we most certainly did!!

        Liked by 1 person

  15. Simply wonderful, and I guess there are probably hundreds of doors (on wagons and on the buildings) to keep us going for a while. My grandfather started building a railway in a shed beside his garage when he was in his late 70s and into his 80s. He went on to knock a hole through into the garage and then took the whole thing over – the cars had to be parked outside. It was unbelievable, and he did all the electric wiring underneath on his hands and knees – I helped a little, especially with building the model houses, which he didn’t really care for.

    Some street art doors from me this week: https://scooj.org/2024/06/13/thursday-doors-13-june-2024-street-art-doors/#Bristol#UK#Streetart#Graffiti

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you liked this, Steve. I was going to split this into two posts, but I won’t be here next week so I decided to put as much out as I could. I might have one or two for a “Leftovers from Pittsburgh” post, but these are my favorites.

      My mother had a friend whose brother built an enormous train layout in what had been their dining room. He let me explore the underside one time when we were visiting. It was fascinating.

      Great street art at your place today!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. See you in two weeks – have a great break.

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Love the model train pix, Dan! I’m glad an email alert “railroaded” me into seeing your post. :-)

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Good one, Dave. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. What wonderful images. I wish I was here in person I would have stayed here for hours observing every inch of those model trains and yards. As you know I’m a train enthusiast like you and for me, this is nothing short of paradise.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I knew you’d enjoy this post, Sharukh. I love watching these trains run. If I go back, I will get some close-up shots of the historic doors on display.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. If possible capture some short videos and post them on FB Messenger, I would love to seem them in motion.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I have three short videos. I’ll post them later today.

          Like

  18. Murphy's Law Avatar
    Murphy’s Law

    These photos are fabulous Dan. I guess it’s the angle of the photos, but you would think you were looking at the real thing, perhaps photographed from a drone.

    Have you ever been to the train show at the Botanical Gardens at Christmas time? They have an awesome train display as well as miniatures of all the highlights of NYC. Everything is created from nature. It’s amazing. You would love it!

    Hope you have a grand day today. Apparently Mother Nature will be turning the heat up again!

    Ginger🦋

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I have not been to the Botanical Gardens, Ginger. I’ve seen people post from there many times, and I really should go. There’s also a train museum near Danbury that ?I haven’t been to. Every time we’re driving to Pittsburgh, we say “we need to visit that place,” but so far, it hasn’t happened.

      It does look like it’s going to get warm. I hope you have a great weekend.

      Like

  19. We go to one train display in AL that is similar to this, but much smaller. The detail here amazes me. I am sure I would find something new every time I saw this. Very cute doors and everything else!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. In addition to never quite seeing everything, Lois, the layout is always changing. They crowd source a new building each year, and they make minor adjustments to the the existing components. I could go every day, sit there and just watch.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Wouldn’t that be so fun?! A new building every year–oh, yes!

        Liked by 1 person

  20. […] I love any door with this kind of majestic arch. To see more doors from around the world, visit No Facilities. […]

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  21. I love model train sets. They remind me of when my brothers had a Hornby model train set. It was always giving trouble! It tortured my poor father! 😄Happy days, though.

    I haven’t been out my my camera lately, but I have been out doing something else!

    When one Door Closes – #ThursdayDoors | Gloria McBreen

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Our train set didn’t always work properly, but dad always managed to get it running. I’ve read that there’s a crew available at the science center, and I’m guessing they love their job.

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  22. I love everything about this. Definitely worth many revisits. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s the highlight for me every time we visit.

      I enjoyd your post today – made me think.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Clear why it was an instant hit. The models are terrifically well executed.

    Here’s mine: https://anotherglobaleater.wordpress.com/2024/06/13/houses-of-sayram/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It”s a long standing work in progress. The details are amazing.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. […] When I looked carefully I could see two kinds of houses on the road. There were those with a gate and blank high walls around it, not even a house in sight beyond it. “Are there houses behind the walls? Or are these plots for development?” I mused. Then there were the walls houses which seemed to back into the street. You could see a row of windows piercing the wall, but no door. Only the large gate seemed to give access to the house. Later we were told that these were Kazakh and Uzbek houses. The Kazakh houses are not visible from the street. The Uzbek houses back on to the street, but open into a secret garden accessible through the gate. […]

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  25. […] This post is part of the weekly challenge Thursday Doors hosted by Dan Antion over at https://nofacilities.com/2024/06/13/csc-model-trains/ […]

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  26. That’s a cool exhibit. I loved it all! I’m glad his hobby turned into an instant success and this is on permanent display. I’m going back to look through the images again and see what I missed. Oh, I love the colors of downtown!

    That’s weird…was that magic? How did my link get up there before I even started typing my comment on your post? I’m goin’ with magic. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’ll go with magic. With WordPress, we always have to wonder. It’s amazing when you think of one man’s hobby turning into a display that has been pleasing people for over 100 years.

      I love the door you shared with us today – however it got here 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Love it. I wanted a train set when I was a little girl. My Dad thought it suitable for a girl. My mother bought me a cheap windup set. Not what I wanted, but the thought was nice.

    Beaver Creek Doors – Sherry Felix – port4u Haggerston, MD.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We had a train set, but nothing close to even a small portion of this.

      Your photos are beatiful.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Dear Dan
    WOW GREAT!
    I loved my model train when I was a child. I built mountains, stations etc. In the loft of our house I had a room just for my model train. But not nearly as perfect as these miniature villages, stations etc.
    Thank for showing
    The Fab Four of Cley
    :-) :-) :-) :-)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed this post. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Hi Dan, what a great post. I love model trains and they all have tiny doors. How lovely to have this display. Is this display available all year around?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Robbie. The display is a regular feature inside the Science Center. I last saw it over 10 years ago. It’s changed a bit – they add a building/scene every year. It’s been around so long, I doubt they’d ever get rid of it. I tried to include photos with doors, but you’re right, everything here has a door.

      Like

      1. Yes, everything has a door. I like different little doors.

        Like

  30. I love miniatures! The rare times I’m able to go to Chicago, I always go see the miniature houses in the art museum. My doors post this week includes bridges, just for you! https://marianallen.com/2024/06/thursday-doors-anything-but-doors/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. These layouts are so impressive, and accurate. The display covers over 100 years, but I remember many of the features.

      Nice post from you, today.

      Like

  31. I enjoyed the trains, Dan. You have to respect the amount of work that went into the details of all the scenes.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks John. In the years this layout has been around, they’ve gone from building by hand to having elements 3D printed. Still, the attention to detail is remarkable.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. The 3D printing very cool.

        Liked by 1 person

  32. What a fantastic display of such interesting models. You could look for hours and still miss some of the amazing details. Love the trains and the Frank Lloyd Wright house is spectacular!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Falligwater is a very good replica of the real building, which is about 45 minutes southeast of the city. I’ve seen the exhibit several times, and I always find something new.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. Cute and the detail is amazing. I like these little doors.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you like this. The details are impressive.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. I love those model railways. So much detail is put into them. Great pictures.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Darlene. I love model railroads and this is my favorite.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. Gwen M. Plano Avatar
    Gwen M. Plano

    Oh, I love this post, Dan. This collection is incredible. I’ve been to a few train exhibits and always marvel at the skill and dedication of the builder/s. What fun! 🚂 🚃 🚂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed this, Gwen. I love model trains, but this is my favorite.

      Like

  36. […] My Thursday Doors post tied in beautifully with the d’Verse prompt this week. You can join in Thursday Doors here: https://nofacilities.com/2024/06/13/csc-model-trains/ […]

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    1. Thansk Robbe. that’s a great post.

      Like

      1. Different doors to be sure.

        Like

  37. Wow, that’s dedication for sure. All the details and all the doors. Great post

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks. The details are not only interesting, they’re historically accurate over a 100-year period. I remember about half of it.

      You shared some beautiful photos this week.

      Like

  38. Now that is a super cool display!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m like a little kid whenever we visit. I can’t wait to get to the floor with the trains.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I bet. My husband would have loved it!

        Liked by 1 person

  39. […] Check out other legit doors over at Dan’s place! […]

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  40. I love Thursday Doors so much. Everyone is so creative! This is no exception. Seeing these awesome pictures of these trains brings me memories of my dad who also did this sort of thing, on a smaller scale, although it did take up most of their extra bedroom. 🌺

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks! Guys can get carried away with their train sets. I love watching them run, and studying the details. This one depicts my home town, and it’s an accurate snapshot over a long time.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. That’s so cool. I think my Dad just made his own setting. He used foam, then stacked it and cut it to size to make mountains. It was really neat. Like you, I enjoyed watching it run and focusing on all the details. Great fun!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I have a friend who makes a lot of his scenery from foam. It’s amazing how real they can make things seem.

          Liked by 1 person

  41. Looks like HO Gauge which is my husband’s thing too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m not sure,. The pictures might lie. I think the trains are larger, but they sure are fun to watch.

      Like

  42. Incredible. Some serious nostalgia here. Our basement. The local department store at Christmas. The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. I love the houses with the lights on inside. It must be wonderful to stand right there, watching and pretending. Thank you for this.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. This is my favorite display. I shed sixty or so years and turn into a kid as we enter. It’s so much fun to look around and try to recognize the places. It’s hard, since some are before when I was born (like Luna Park), but the details are amazing.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I like the part about shedding sixty years.

        Liked by 1 person

  43. OMG! I would be in heaven at this model train exhibit. Hubby would be way beyond seventh heaven. Thank you for the wonderful photos, Dan.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s a wonderful exhibit, Jennie. If you ever visit, leave a lot of time for this exhibit. The hardest part for me is not skipping everything else in the Science Center and running here.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I can see why that would be hard to do!

        Liked by 1 person

  44. Those are some tiny doors, Dan. I love your pictures of miniature trains. Who doesn’t love miniature trains. It is mesmerizing to watch them go around and around on their pathways. This post also clearly demonstrates how to think outside the box as far as door posts are concerned. I hope your ears burned this week. Janet and I discussed Doors on a quick coffee break between tasks. :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Marsha. Model trains can hold me in place forever. The layouts are so interesting. So much work.

      Speaking of thinking outside the box, Janet is the queen of make believe doors. I never know what to expect from her, but her photos are always interesting and beautiful.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. She adores your challenge, and just thinks “doors.”

        Liked by 1 person

  45. I love train villages, Dan. We have two different ones here during the Christmas season and they are so intriguing to visit. Lots of work goes into creating them. Great sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. There is a lot of work involved, Jan and I am grateful to the people who create and maintain these for our enjoyment.

      Liked by 1 person

  46. I do love model railways with miniature villages and scenes. It makes me think of my dad. For most of my growing up years, my dad worked on his elaborate model railroads and scenes, and it took up nearly all of the basement. :) Lovely memories!

    Here’s another door post from Paphos, Cyprus for me. https://brendasrandomthoughts.wordpress.com/2024/06/14/thursday-doors-sunset-in-agios-theodoros-paphos/

    Thanks, Dan, and happy weekend!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad to bring back some nie memories, Brenda. There’s something special about model railroads.

      You shared some wonderful photos this week. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  47. So many tiny doors and wonderful installations! Our son in law is very fond of model trains. I will tell him about the Carnegie Science Center.
    Mine is again from Paris this week:

    Doors of Paris # 2

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I have been to several large model railroad layouts, but this is my favorite.

      I love the doors you brought us from Paris.

      Like

  48. […] who the speaker/thinker was, but other than those pauses to sort it out, a delightful story!”No Facilities “This was a fun read. I can picture this conversation. The strength and comfort of their […]

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  49. You and my grandson, Dan. What a fun visit!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s a wonderful experience, Cheryl. When I step in there, I’m about your grandson’s age.

      Like

      1. And that’s a very good thing, Dan.😊

        Liked by 1 person

  50. awesome!!! I love those model trains scenes!

    My door is here

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed these!

      Liked by 1 person

  51. FLWs Falling Water is exceptional! I don’t remember seeing that in the setup. Very ‘burghy’ post today!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I see something new every time we visit. That is very accurate.

      Liked by 1 person

  52. I love model trains and that set-up is amazing! I’m especially impressed that it included a miniature of Falling Water (still on my bucket list to see in person) and a hot air balloon. Fabulous!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fallingwater is so interesting, and this model is pretty accurate. The airport also has a plane taking off.

      Like

  53. Well, I picked a bad week to make my first Thursday Doors post, but I did it. Here is the link to be included in the next Thursday Doors. Hope you have a great vaction Dan. Model trains are so much fun. :)
    http://writingtoberead.com/2024/06/13/the-doors-of-cripple-creek-colorado-thursdaydoors/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m sorry WordPress has tagged you as anonymous, Kaye (this post is from Kaye Lynne Booth, and it’s wonderful). Thanks for joining us.

      Like

  54. […] our doorscursion around Sydney’s Milson’s Point. This has been another contribution to Thursday Doors hosted by Dan Antion at No […]

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  55. Hi Dan,

    Another week has come and gone.

    that’s the most incredible model railroad I’ve ever seen and I’ll have to send my husband the link. he loves model trains.

    Here’s my contribution this week taken on a short walk around Sydney Harbour at Milson’s Point: https://beyondtheflow.wordpress.com/2024/06/15/doors-by-sydney-harbour-thursday-doors/

    Best wishes,

    Rowena

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Rowena. I’ve seen many such layouts, but this is my favorite.

      I enjoyed your post today, and we have an item in common.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks, Dan. Hope you have a great week!

        Liked by 1 person

  56. The railroad display blows my mind. The intricate detail….thanks for sharing, Dan!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It is an amazing display, Kirt.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. So incredible!! I was blown away by it!!

        Liked by 1 person

  57. That’s so nice that all of Bowdish’s hard work can be shared with the world. The Frank Lloyd Wright house is my favorite!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think they got the house and the setting perfectly on that one.

      Liked by 1 person

  58. randycrumbaker Avatar
    randycrumbaker

    Hard work.

    Liked by 1 person

  59. My mother absolutely loved model trains. She grew up with them, and she always put out a bunch of tracks and town at Christmastime all around her tree. It was surely a great tradition she loved, and these images would have fascinated her for sure. That Forbes Field layout is awesome!

    Like

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