| “I just want it to look like nothing else in the world. And it should be surrounded by a train.” —Walt Disney (July 17, 1955—Present) BACKSTORY: The DLRR is a narrow-gauge railroad constructed that cost $240K and each of the original four locomotives cost in excess of $40K to build/restore. Guests ride it as transportation or experience the “grand circle tour” and can remain on the trains as long as they wish. Until 1974, it was sponsored by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, during which time it operated as the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad. The train originally consisted of custom-built 5/8 scale equipment. The Walt Disney Company constructed the original two locomotives in its own workshops under the supervision of Roger E. Broggie. Patterned after the Lilly Belle, a miniature steam locomotive Broggie had made for Walt’s backyard Carolwood Pacific RR, these were also models of classic “Wild West”-style American 4-4-0s, but built to a larger 5/8 scale. #1, The C.K. Holliday, was given a large wood-burning “balloon”stack and cowcatcher (pilot); #2, The E.P. Ripley, was given a straight stack and smaller pilot common to East Coast coal-burning locomotives. Three more were later acquired from outside sources, since this was cheaper than building new ones and many narrow-gauge lines were closing down and selling their equipment. All were given extensive renovations including new boilers. #3 and the “new” #5 are “Forney” locomotives (a type of tank locomotive). #4, The Ernest S. Marsh, took its inaugural run at Disneyland (engineered by Walt Disney himself!) on July 25, 1959. As an 1894 product of the Baldwin Locomotive Works, #3 is the oldest locomotive at any Disney property. Walt Disney, California Governor Goodwin J. Knight, and Fred G. Gurley (President of the Santa Fe) presided over opening-day ceremonies. Disney often engineered the trains himself. Interested in Walt and his railroad(s)? Check out carolwood.org. Most photos available for purchase as enlargements; email your request. To view photos, allow popups in your web browser & click thumbnails below.
click above for original attraction posters |
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Main Street Train Station: 1950’s |
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