Okay, so you know by now that I have a particular fondness for the Disneyland Railroad. The good thing, at least for me, is that I am certainly not alone. And just as with Walt himself, that fascination is somewhat a lifelong one.
Walt Disney as the properly dressed
steam locomotive engineer
during an excursion on the
Santa Maria Valley Railroad.
And that would lead me to use the Brownie Hawkeye to capture some images of the Disneyland Railroad during the festivities of the big weekend. Busy the crews were, but always willing to chat with guests. One long standing tradition at the Park was the chance to ride in the cab of either the “C.K. Holiday” or the “E.P. Ripley” along with the locomotive engineer and fireman. For many people, this may have been the only time such an opportunity was available. All anyone needed to do was to ask one of the train’s conductors at the Main Street Station if it would be possible to ride in the cab. If space was available on the seat cushions of the tender, more often than not, the answer was “yes”. However, several years ago, the practice came to a halt.
“Now arriving from a trip around Walt Disney’s
Magic Kingdom, the Disneyland Limited!”
I am happy to report that it has returned with the addition of a back rest and seat belt to both locomotives. And I was lucky enough to be able to enjoy a ride aboard the “E.P. Ripley” on Saturday, July 16th. (For those who may recall, it was this locomotive that) It was a rare treat to enjoy a trip along the railroad from a different perspective. And it didn’t hurt to recall the moment almost 50 years before when Walt was engineer aboard this same locomotive in the opening moments of the “Dateline Disneyland” television broadcast.
Fireman Norm and Engineer Earl waving to passengers
disembarking at the Main Street Station.
While much of the attention on Sunday was focused elsewhere, there was a quiet event of sorts on the Disneyland Railroad. For the first time in a number of years, there were four trains in operation. And a good thing it was too, as many of them were carrying full loads of passengers throughout the day.
I camped out at the Tomorrowland Station to catch the passing locomotive parade. With the sun just right I was good timing here. All four trains are seen in the order they passed:
#2, the “E.P. Ripley”
#5, the “Ward Kimball”
with the Freight Train consist in tow,
dating back to Opening Day.
#1, the “C.K. Holiday”
#3, the “Fred Gurley”
The weekend was one I will remember for a long time to come. Here’s hoping that you enjoyed these glimpses of Disneyland glorious Black & White as much I as have sharing them with you.
That’s all! Time to disembark for more
adventures elsewhere!
Keep those Disney dining memories coming! Lot’s of great places and meals enjoyed that I look forward to sharing here soon!