AIR BRAKES: 6:40 -Yes the way I described the air brake system the Disneyland Railroad uses is CORRECT. For those who think I made a mistake or misunderstood train air brakes, before the modern automatic air brake ever existed, there was the Westinghouse Straight-Air Brake system. The straight-air brake system requires air to be APPLIED to the system in order to slow or stop a train. This system proved to be impractical for trains longer than 13 cars, so the automatic air brake system was later invented. Disneyland Railroad tries to run authentically to the time period, and so they use the old Straight-air brake system, or as Disneyland Railroad crew call it, "direct-line brakes". Disneyland Railroad does not use automatic air brakes. ALSO: my statement that the Disneyland Railroad is "the world's largest scale model railroad" is not a statement about acreage or track length, it's a statement about the fact that it's the largest miniature scale used for a railroad.
Straight air brakes vs. Westinghouse air reduction brakes can make for an “interesting” experience for the engineer. In 1967 & 1968 I frequently operated the first Chance C.P.Huntington at Joyland park in Wichita. That one had straight air brakes although I understand they have been redesigned to use air reduction. The air compressor was a bit undersized for the task. If you were too enthusiastic with the whistle on the last few hundred yards of the track you could arrive at the depot without enough air to stop the train.
He’s quite correct about the brakes. That’s one of those inventions that needed to be turned around to be at its best. However, it was far and away better that brakemen jumping from car to car, twisting the brake wheels.
@@alexander1485 Until just recently, I would have said you were incorrect. I since found out that trucks use air pressure to apply brakes. A truck's parking brake system, does use pressure to release the brakes. Emergency brakes use this system. steve
Just a thing on engine n⁰4. The number of wheels (driving or otherwise) of the locomotive does not impact pullingpower. Pulling power depends on: bore and stroke of piston, boilerpressure and the distance between where the pistonrod connects to the wheel and the wheelcenter. Also, the size of the wheels plays a factor. The number of wheels does impact performance, though. Take Loco n⁰4, a 2-4-0, if you were to have that same locomotive but with the wheel arrangement of loco n⁰3 (2-4-4), loco 4 would preform better, geven the 2 locomotives are otherwise identical. This is because more weight is put on the drivers (wheels connected to the piston) and therefore has better adhesive, which means the ability to start smoother, and get up to speed that little easier.
Excellent job Alex. My name is Jeffrey Croteau. I was a cast member from the Disneyland Sign Shop from 1992-2020, 28 years. I had the distinguished honor along with fellow Cast Member, Glenn Duncan to provide the lettering and graphics for the "Lily Belle". I painstakingly recreated the ceiling graphics in side, along with recreating the exterior corner graphics outside. Glenn and myself did all the 23xx gold leaf lettering throughout. I also lettered the sign on both sides along with the new sign can on the observation deck. One of the nicest projects I had the joy of bringing to completion. Thank you for showcasing it so well! A wonderful memory.
Hey Jeffrey! I can't help but wonder if I might have seen you once or twice. I walked into the Sign Shop once, I believe December of 2009. I wasn't supposed to be in there, but heck, I went to a lot of facilities I wasn't meant to be in my years at Disneyland. The work you did on the Lilly Belle is much appreciated by me!
I'm retired now, but am here to field questions you may have in future postings. Have lots of Disney History floating around in my head. Just ask. I'll help if I can.
Thanks Jeffrey, actually I myself am retiring from discussing Disneyland history on my channel. Made all kinds of content about it since 2016, and I've moved on to my other interests, trains and steamships!
How fun that must have been, being part of Walts legacy! The closet I've gotten to Walt himself was meeting and chatting with his daughter Diane Disney Miller and going to the burbank studios 3 times. Stood down the hall of his original office! Planning to go again, have a friend who works there.
As someone who recently went to Disneyland I should preface this by saying that I’ve dreamed of riding the Lilly Belle train car for years…like, since I discovered it existed. But I always knew it was restricted to VERY important people. Hence, I’ve held a certain extreme ambition for YEARS related to that train car. When I was in Disneyland I got a nice little surprise in that the Lilly Belle was running on my first day in the park! So I took a picture by it and sent it to a friend to point out why I’m so ambitious. Come to find out there’s a tour that lets you aboard the Lilly Belle…and I got to take that tour two days later. So as someone who dreamed of riding that train car for a long time and had that dream fulfilled…thank you, sir, for your work in restoring it. All these years later that work made a young guy’s dream come true in an unexpected time and an unexpected way.
We would go to Disneyland every 5 years when my dad got 13 weeks vacation. I know that I have been there at least 3 times, and every time, I can hardly wait to ride the train. We would make a complete trip around the park discussing where we wanted to start our rides. It was kind of difficult to watch this at times because of all of the wonderful memories. My dad passed away on December 23rd. I want to preserve the 8mm movies that he took of our vacations. It will take money and time. I just hope it can be done. Our last family vacation was in 1977. We were in Long Beach when we heard that Elvis Presley had died. Thank you for all of the information about the trains and for bringing back my memories of the "Happiest Place on Earth."
Masterpiece Video you should receive an Oscar? I am lucky being born in 1953 in the 1950s every child's dream was to go to Disneyland. From the late 1950s to 1968 our family traveled three maybe four times via Union Pacific Railroad from Omaha to Los Angeles. Much of what you presented I experienced first hand. Very fortunate and the family failed to show appreciation to my father. Thanks for refreshing my memories.
What an epic way to visit! I grew up in San Diego and we went every few years back in the 70s. It was a far cry from what it has turned into today. Much more sedate, less crowded, etc. These days, the company is so far from its roots, and the parks so overcrowded, I doubt I'll ever go back.
I absolutely loved this documentary. In addition to bringing back fond memories, I have a new appreciation for all that Walt and his Imagineers have done for all of us kids at heart!
I don't care for Disney but I liked this. You found a lot of pictures that are probably very rare and wrote your narration so well that one could think it an official documentary made by the company. Good job! :)
@@wilmeaux12 Is this a serious question? Disney the company is the archetypal evil megacorporation. Disney the theme parks are incredibly expensive and treat their workers horribly. Disney original properties are okay but often full of bad messages, and their acquired properties get butchered. Disney the man wasn't the worst person ever but neither was he best. That's in a nutshell why I don't care for Disney.
As a 1953 vintage Australian, I grew up watching Disneyland on TV and always wanted to go to this wonderful place of dreams and imagination. I may never be able to go there but videos like this really bring the experience to life for me. Thank you for such a comprehensive and fascinating documentary.
I was a conductor on the Disneyland Railroad for three seasons in the mid 1970s. The spiel back then was triggered when a metal switch hanging down from the bottom of the first car hit a block of wood along side the tracks. I know this because I got in trouble for fixing a loose bolt on the trigger when it malfunctioned.. The union electrician was not happy. At times when the spiel failed the conductors where required to give the it over the PA system. We were known to take some humorous liberties with the script.
We are going back to Disneyland again in April. My daughter is celebrating her anniversary of cancer free. My first time here was 1965….we have been to Disneyland at least 15 times. I have treasured memories from the happiest place on earth. Thank you friend…nothing is better than Disneyland.
Walt Disney's Carolwood Pacific Railroad Lilly Belle steam engine, some freight cars, and a caboose are on display at the Walt Disney Family Museum at the Presidio in San Francisco. This is an AMAZING museum that does justice to the history of Walt Disney with fascinating and lively displays. I know that, for many, Walt Disney's efforts were a part of their growing up. They will especially like this museum. It is one of the best museums I have ever visited.
Yes an excellent museum about Walts history with his studio and Disneyland. I consider myself blessed because I met Walts daughter Dianne there a year before she passed away! We chatted alittle and I got to take a picture with her. I can't explain how happy I felt when she put her arm around me for the picture which I cherish to this day.
While steam is RARELY seen on the mainline these day, there is hardly a youngster even now a days that you can hear them audibly imitate the sound of a steam whistle. These steam time machines can be found in amusement parks, steam tourist excursions. Truly a MUST for me to take as my 1st ride apart from the trams/monorail or ferry. I'm speaking of both American parks. I literally cried when I saw video of the Walt Disney World Railroad return to service before Christmas last year. Thanks again Alex! Hoping you a very fine 2023!
Alex, this is a fantastic documentary. I was a conductor on the Disneyland Railroad from 1981 until 1985, when I transferred to finish my time as a cast member as a monorail pilot. Your work brought back many fond memories! There's one small clarification I'd like to add to the story of the demise of Retlaw 1. The old car barn was converted to the ride vehicle paint shop earlier than your timeline reflects. When the Retlaw 1 cars were retired, all of them were stored in the back of the new roundhouse, not just 106, the Lilly Belle. I would often explore inside the old cars after putting away the last train of the night after the park closed, including checking out the old combine, which, as you mentioned, is beautifully displayed at the "Walt's Barn" museum at Griffith Park.
The most comprehensive and professional documentary on the Disneyland Railroad I've ever watched. Most excellent Alex! Thank you so much for this. You should be so proud of this work!
I worked as a tour guide at the DLR for over 15 years, and a lot of it included the detailed knowledge on DL and the family history. Your video was absolutely thorough, detailed, accurate and so informative. I am truly impressed by it and wanted to tell you that you did a wonderful job!!! Great video! Same with your monorail presentation as well. Thanks!
Thank you Maria, from a fellow veteran tour guide! I worked in Guest Relations from 2011-2013. A short stint, but it was certainly the pinnacle of my career at Disneyland.
This was an excellent history into the Disney RR. I learned so many facts which I did not know, which is odd, considering I actually worked at Disneyland from 1999-2006, and then most recently, from 2022-2023. The best thing I love about this attraction, unlike any others in the park, is that you don’t have to get off…you could ride around as many times as you want, unless it’s the last ride of the night! Thank you.
The railroad was always my favorite part of Disneyland. I liked the authenticity of the original passenger cars, but I understand the need to change. Having actual steam power is a great part of the system. Thank you for a great documentary of the Disneyland Railroad!
An interesting aside is the one other almost catastrophe that befell the railroad. The operating crew let the water get too low on one of the locomotives (I can't remember which right now and my reference books are packed away) and caused substantial damage to the boiler that could have caused a crown sheet failure and boiler explosion. fortunately it was caught and the damaged boiler is now used as a training aid at the shop facility -- it appears in one of your shots inside the engine house (I believe the scene showing the Lilly Belle when it was closed up during retirement). Nicely done presentation.
I just rode this train (the “Roy O. Disney”) for the first time with my wife last week at Disney World (celebrating our 20th Anniversary), and I hate to admit it, but I did not know it was an actual steamer until I got up to it! I assumed it had been replaced with diesel or electric long ago. I’m a huge steam rail fan and getting to talk to the conductor about this historic train and some of its history between rides was icing on the cake! This is an absolutely fantastic documentary! A subscribe and a like are the least I can do.
One of the things I loved about the trains, besides their aesthetics and practical transportation usage around the park, was how I could ride around on them all day long if I wanted to and watch the park as I passed by. I think the most I traveled on it ever was three rounds around the park. But knowing that they are authentically from the past, even over 100 years old some of them, makes me appreciate them that much more. The next time I'm riding them, I look forward to paying more attention to the little details. I've seen the Lilly Belle several times back in 2019, and while charmed by it's rich interiors, I didn't realize what it took to bring it back into the eyesight of the general public. Love it!
Very well done video. I had the opportunity to visit Disneyland four different times when I was living in West Virginia. That was in 1958, 1960, 1965 and 1968. As a railfan for quite a long time, I found it fascinating. I have not been to Disneyworld, but I would like to go back to Disneyland someday.
Just looking at the beginning of this year documentary I know that Walt was like a kid at heart when it comes to trains having that child like happiness seeing him enjoying trains
I grew up in the mid 60’s watching Walt talk on TV about his dreams and accomplishments. It was a holiday for me every Thursday evening ( I think it was Thursday ) when he came on the TV. Like all the rest of us kids, the Walt Disney experience was an escape into our imaginations. I haven’t been to Disney Land, but have been to Disney World a couple times and hope to go again before I’m too old to. Congratulations on a long but very thorough and very interesting documentary on Walt’s dream. WELL DONE!! and THANK YOU 🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂
I think this is the most comprehensive present of the Disneyland Railroad. Always THE favorite ride for us at the park. We have ridden in the Lille Belle, in July thought we were going to die from the heat! Riders were only allowed if a Cast member was available to ride in the car to chat with the passengers and prevent theft. If you look at the right rear corner of the interior, you'll see a small square marble topped table in that corner. We have the exact twin to it in our living room but ours still has the legs on it. The one in the Lillie Belle has had the legs cut off to bring it down to 5/8ths scale. It's actually an Italian Design according to the document that came with it, we inherited it and the dining room set to match it from my late in-laws, they bought the set back in the mid 1960's. I was speechless when we rode the Lillie Belle and i sat down and turned to look out the rear windows and saw "our table" sitting in the corner! Thank you for this wonderful trip down memory lane, we're no longer in Calif and health issue now prevent travels, I'll be watching this again soon!
As a child I watched a tv show called, "The Wonderful World of Disney." It was on every week and as a family, we sat and watched it. During it, we watched weekly as Disneyland slowly took shape. Walt would talk about the latest creations in the park and show videos of what was being done and how. He sprinkled cartoons and other entertainment into the show, so all ages found it interesting. The man was truly a visionary. I remember those shows as if they were yesterday as they play in my mind today, some 66 years later.
I used to work at Disneyland back in 2001 and was one of the conductors on the rail road. We didn't really do anything but let people on and off each stop and yell all aboard, but it was a fun job. My favorite part of being on that ride was when you got the closing shift because after Disneyland closed you would ride the empty train all the way to a secret back lot area. To clock out you would have to walk through an empty Disneyland back to the train station to check with your supervisor. Super cool experience.
@@TacticalPurplシ At the time nothing major. I had experience as a ride operator at Knott's so I'm sure that helped but they were mainly looking for social people that were open to interacting with customers.
I am planning on visiting the Disneyland Railroad in late September 2023. Also I heard that #2 “E.P. Ripley” is back in service since March. I haven’t been to the Disneyland Railroad since October 2018. It’s a very cool trip. They have some wonderful steam locomotives.
I’ve been aboard the trains of Disneyland CA. I’ve been there twice in 67 as a 22 yo boy and 86 as a 31 yo married man. Definitely a highlight of the park. The things I enjoyed the most was the park’s amazing architecture. Walt was quite the visionary.
These historical Disneyland videos are priceless!!! Thank you so much for this. The time and care you put into these shows your respect and appreciation of Walt’s dreams. I still miss him-he was a genius!
Brilliant! I love how you said, "...on a busy summer day..." - nowadays, EVERY day is a busy day at Disneyland. Downtime used to be after Christmas and before spring break. Not anymore!
If someone were to ask me what is the must-do attraction at Disneyland, I'd say the railroad every time. Not only is it fun, it's also a nice way to get from one side of the park to another. I make it a point to always ride the train once around the park whenever I visit. Excellent documentary!
Walt's Disneyland Monorail Part 1: ruclips.net/video/_QPz7uRzQ3U/видео.html&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE Walt's Disneyland Monorail Part 2: ruclips.net/video/w1UzZmQI_n8/видео.html&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE History of the Walt Disney World Monorail: ruclips.net/video/-KUNlS28B-A/видео.html&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE Those are my videos. I dont have a history of the Walt Disney World Railroad because I felt that it changed so little over the years it really has no history...and I'll admit, I dont like it at all. But if you want to learn how it was created, I've included it in my video about the creation of Walt Disney World: Disney World: Walt's Final Dream ruclips.net/video/RWpoJIOmIz4/видео.html&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
Alex, your presentation of the Disney railway is fantastic!! I’ve ridden it as well as several railways at zoos and amusement parks (I love them all). What makes your presentation so fantastic is the professionalism and joy in your voice, great job Alex
Excellent work! I am a huge Walt Disney (the person) fan and I will watch just about any documentary that touches on the life of Walt Disney… This has to be one of the best documentaries I’ve seen, perhaps even better than corporate junk released and sold with old stock footage and regurgitated information. this documentary was enjoyable, and filled with great New information. Like In previous comments I also feel that it makes you feel very nostalgic , to think that we will never experienced again anything like the Disneyland we had even 10 or 15 years ago. Thank you, your work shows the heart that was poured into this documentary
The railroad was usually where I went to rest my aching back and feet. But I LOVED the Grand Canyon diorama and looked forward to seeing it each time. And those wee triceratops babies, cute as little buttons -- way up near the top of my favorite "Disney characters" list.
This video belongs in a museum somewhere. I learned so much and it kept me interested the whole time. I could totally picture this featured in the park
9:45 it’s that kind of attention to detail that sells the magic. Good enough isn’t enough when your job is building an experience that is meant to leave a meaningful impact on people.
We just returned from six days at Disney World , wow just wow , Disney World sets a kids imagination on fire . We loved every second of our vacation and will return January 25’ , the cooler weather makes the experience just that much better .
Hey Alex! I actually volunteer at the Walt Disney Barn where the footage of the yellow combine is shot (around 8:10 in your video). I will be using some of the facts that I learned in your video today when I volunteer, so thank you for the wealth of knowledge. As a trade, I offer this Fun Fact: as a cost-saving measure, the combine is actually fitted with bus seats instead of traditional train seats! If you ever visit, you can look through the windows and still see the bus seats just like they were on opening day.
Thanks Alex for showing us these locomotives and trains from Disneyland. Last time that I was there was 1975 and yes, I rode on one of the trains. If the Disney company buys out half of Anaheim and very much expands the train and monorail systems; I will go back and enjoy the rides. I also subscribed to your channel.
Alex, this video truly deserves a million views! It is absolutely amazing! I know you are not big on Disney videos anymore, however this one is GREAT! Very educational and informative. I hope this spreads like wildfire on RUclips!
AUDIO is TOP NOTCH!!! The music that starts around 21:25 min's is perfect one of my favorite, plus it is loud enough to hear clearly but MOST IMPORTANT does interfere with your conversation volume! So many RUclipss get it wrong, voice is always key, and the music needs to never interrupt!
What a great production. Very much appreciated. I would like to add one detail: ringing the bell when entering a station indicates to the station staff that the train is operating normally. NOT ringing the bell indicates that something is going on and the train should not be boarded. We learned this from a conductor on the "Magic behind our steam trains" tour in WDW several years ago.
Thats weird that they told you that. Then again, I hear a lot of weird stuff originally told by the staff of the Walt Disney World Railroad. It's important for me to mention that the Walt Disney World Railroad does not operate authentically the way the old railroads did. I hate to say it, but they make up a lot of their own rules and among the Railroad enthusiasts we kind of joke about the silliness the WDWRR does in its operation. In real life, not just in Disney Parks, but in real life. The bell is sounded at a station so everyone anywhere near the train knows a train is approaching and to stay clear the tracks. It's essentially just an alert that a big dangerous moving object is nearby.
When I was a kid in the '50s my cousin and I went to Ward Kimball's house and they let us into the back yard. I saw that little station house there. He had a stuffed lion in it.
Excellent video. We lived in the San Diego area 1963-64. We visited Disneyland in late 1963 and again in early 1964. As I write this in September 2023 I recall riding the Disneyland trains, but I don’t remember many details. I also rode the monorail. I live in Minnesota now, and it’s doubtful I’ll ever get back to Disneyland. Your documentary told me more about the trains than I could have ever imagined. Keep up the good work.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?!? You're making my neverending love for trains and the Disneyland Railroad only grow further exponentially!!! Anyway, LOVE EVERYTHING said and shown here! But I politely ask for you to stop causing me to love trains more than I did previously. STOP THIS MADNESS!! NOW
Fantastic!!! Excellent video and very comprehensive history lesson. I feel this is the best history based documentary video on the Disney RR I’ve ever found. My compliments to you Alex. I have subscribed to your channel based on this one video but plan to watch many more of your videos in the future.
Well done! So many of my childhood memories recalled in one documentary! I could see the Matterhorn from my grandmother's back yard on Dunklee Lane. As a kid I visited the park countless times on Orange County and Riverside county and NASA (federal) employee days ... Aah, to run from ride to ride, no lines, ride the trains multiple times in one visit... *sigh... parts of my life were truly charmed, Thank you SO Much for this recounting of so many of my memories!
Don't know if they're running it agian (After all the closures due to a certain Pandemic) but they used to do a fantastic behind the scenes tour of the train system in Walt Disney World. It's fascinating.
Last week my partner and I got on it at Toontown, thinking it was just going to be a nice little way to get to the other side of the park when we were tired (i also love trains) I cannot express my joy at SURPRISE DINOSAURS
This documentary was amazing. The detail given, and the footage and images used are second to none. This attraction (at any of the parks I have visited and ridden the railway at) is always one of my favourites, and watching some of this footage made me unexpectedly emotional with such wonderful memories. Bravo on this, I enjoyed every second, and really appreciate your work in producing it.
Outstanding documentary! You solved many mysteries for me and thank you for breaking down who did the narrations over the years. Just wonderful stuff. ❤
I could listen to you talk about these trains for hours! Even though I don't like Disney, it was fascinating to see just how much development went into such a small railway. Awesome vid!
Excellent work! There are so many details here I never knew about (or maybe just forgot since watching the original version). If this will be your last Disney video, it's a great one to go out on.
Never visited Walt Disney land. This documentary well narrated and excellent photo quality is a Star. Disney was awesome in his output. Hopefully he will return with Elvis !. Joycreaters. All the people still running the parks should be given medals. Thank you playmates. Dave
Such beautiful Trains. I was fortunate to ride in the special car a few times and have a few of the special tickets that you get when you get to ride it.
AIR BRAKES: 6:40 -Yes the way I described the air brake system the Disneyland Railroad uses is CORRECT. For those who think I made a mistake or misunderstood train air brakes, before the modern automatic air brake ever existed, there was the Westinghouse Straight-Air Brake system. The straight-air brake system requires air to be APPLIED to the system in order to slow or stop a train. This system proved to be impractical for trains longer than 13 cars, so the automatic air brake system was later invented. Disneyland Railroad tries to run authentically to the time period, and so they use the old Straight-air brake system, or as Disneyland Railroad crew call it, "direct-line brakes". Disneyland Railroad does not use automatic air brakes.
ALSO: my statement that the Disneyland Railroad is "the world's largest scale model railroad" is not a statement about acreage or track length, it's a statement about the fact that it's the largest miniature scale used for a railroad.
Trains keep air released and add more air to apply the brakes, trucks have the opposite type of brakes.
Straight air brakes vs. Westinghouse air reduction brakes can make for an “interesting” experience for the engineer. In 1967 & 1968 I frequently operated the first Chance C.P.Huntington at Joyland park in Wichita. That one had straight air brakes although I understand they have been redesigned to use air reduction. The air compressor was a bit undersized for the task. If you were too enthusiastic with the whistle on the last few hundred yards of the track you could arrive at the depot without enough air to stop the train.
He’s quite correct about the brakes. That’s one of those inventions that needed to be turned around to be at its best. However, it was far and away better that brakemen jumping from car to car, twisting the brake wheels.
@@alexander1485 Until just recently, I would have said you were incorrect.
I since found out that trucks use air pressure to apply brakes. A truck's
parking brake system, does use pressure to release the brakes. Emergency
brakes use this system.
steve
Just a thing on engine n⁰4. The number of wheels (driving or otherwise) of the locomotive does not impact pullingpower. Pulling power depends on: bore and stroke of piston, boilerpressure and the distance between where the pistonrod connects to the wheel and the wheelcenter. Also, the size of the wheels plays a factor. The number of wheels does impact performance, though. Take Loco n⁰4, a 2-4-0, if you were to have that same locomotive but with the wheel arrangement of loco n⁰3 (2-4-4), loco 4 would preform better, geven the 2 locomotives are otherwise identical. This is because more weight is put on the drivers (wheels connected to the piston) and therefore has better adhesive, which means the ability to start smoother, and get up to speed that little easier.
Pretty much EVERY ride at Disneyland is a rail-oriented ride. The whole park is pretty much just one big train set. Walt sure loved his trains.
Even the paddlewheeler is on rails I think.
The riverboat is guided by a rail, but it does float with its own buoyancy, and the paddle wheel at the stern provides the actual propulsion.
The rails on the boat are just to maintain a consistent course and to prevent collisions that may occur from just floating it on the water.
I love trains
Why haven’t Disney ever made a movie about trains?
Excellent job Alex. My name is Jeffrey Croteau. I was a cast member from the Disneyland Sign Shop from 1992-2020, 28 years. I had the distinguished honor along with fellow Cast Member, Glenn Duncan to provide the lettering and graphics for the "Lily Belle". I painstakingly recreated the ceiling graphics in side, along with recreating the exterior corner graphics outside. Glenn and myself did all the 23xx gold leaf lettering throughout. I also lettered the sign on both sides along with the new sign can on the observation deck. One of the nicest projects I had the joy of bringing to completion. Thank you for showcasing it so well! A wonderful memory.
Hey Jeffrey! I can't help but wonder if I might have seen you once or twice. I walked into the Sign Shop once, I believe December of 2009. I wasn't supposed to be in there, but heck, I went to a lot of facilities I wasn't meant to be in my years at Disneyland.
The work you did on the Lilly Belle is much appreciated by me!
I'm retired now, but am here to field questions you may have in future postings. Have lots of Disney History floating around in my head. Just ask. I'll help if I can.
Thanks Jeffrey, actually I myself am retiring from discussing Disneyland history on my channel. Made all kinds of content about it since 2016, and I've moved on to my other interests, trains and steamships!
How fun that must have been, being part of Walts legacy! The closet I've gotten to Walt himself was meeting and chatting with his daughter Diane Disney Miller and going to the burbank studios 3 times. Stood down the hall of his original office! Planning to go again, have a friend who works there.
As someone who recently went to Disneyland I should preface this by saying that I’ve dreamed of riding the Lilly Belle train car for years…like, since I discovered it existed. But I always knew it was restricted to VERY important people. Hence, I’ve held a certain extreme ambition for YEARS related to that train car. When I was in Disneyland I got a nice little surprise in that the Lilly Belle was running on my first day in the park! So I took a picture by it and sent it to a friend to point out why I’m so ambitious. Come to find out there’s a tour that lets you aboard the Lilly Belle…and I got to take that tour two days later. So as someone who dreamed of riding that train car for a long time and had that dream fulfilled…thank you, sir, for your work in restoring it. All these years later that work made a young guy’s dream come true in an unexpected time and an unexpected way.
In my opinion, this is now the definitive documentary on this subject. Outstanding work Alex, well done.
Thank you!
You couldn’t have said it better. That was fantastic and well done!
While it is a nice video don't forget Micheal Broggie's book "Walt Disney's railroad story" from the 90s.
I believe Alex's Disney documentaries tend to be the definitive.🙂 Many thanks to you, Alex.
We would go to Disneyland every 5 years when my dad got 13 weeks vacation. I know that I have been there at least 3 times, and every time, I can hardly wait to ride the train. We would make a complete trip around the park discussing where we wanted to start our rides.
It was kind of difficult to watch this at times because of all of the wonderful memories. My dad passed away on December 23rd. I want to preserve the 8mm movies that he took of our vacations. It will take money and time. I just hope it can be done. Our last family vacation was in 1977. We were in Long Beach when we heard that Elvis Presley had died.
Thank you for all of the information about the trains and for bringing back my memories of the "Happiest Place on Earth."
Probably the most comprehensive video about the Disneyland Railroad on RUclips. You cover a lot of ground in 56 minutes. Great work Alex!
Thanks!
I'm very proud and honored to have been given the privilege of having ridden in the Lilly Belle Parlor car with my family.
Masterpiece Video you should receive an Oscar? I am lucky being born in 1953 in the 1950s every child's dream was to go to Disneyland. From the late 1950s to 1968 our family traveled three maybe four times via Union Pacific Railroad from Omaha to Los Angeles. Much of what you presented I experienced first hand. Very fortunate and the family failed to show appreciation to my father. Thanks for refreshing my memories.
What an epic way to visit! I grew up in San Diego and we went every few years back in the 70s. It was a far cry from what it has turned into today. Much more sedate, less crowded, etc. These days, the company is so far from its roots, and the parks so overcrowded, I doubt I'll ever go back.
I absolutely loved this documentary. In addition to bringing back fond memories, I have a new appreciation for all that Walt and his Imagineers have done for all of us kids at heart!
I don't care for Disney but I liked this. You found a lot of pictures that are probably very rare and wrote your narration so well that one could think it an official documentary made by the company. Good job! :)
Thank you!
I LOVE Disneyland, but find it difficult to keep loving something that is slipping so far away from it true intent.
@@toshibavoodoo that's exactly how I feel.
How could anyone not like Disney?
@@wilmeaux12 Is this a serious question?
Disney the company is the archetypal evil megacorporation. Disney the theme parks are incredibly expensive and treat their workers horribly. Disney original properties are okay but often full of bad messages, and their acquired properties get butchered. Disney the man wasn't the worst person ever but neither was he best. That's in a nutshell why I don't care for Disney.
As a 1953 vintage Australian, I grew up watching Disneyland on TV and always wanted to go to this wonderful place of dreams and imagination. I may never be able to go there but videos like this really bring the experience to life for me. Thank you for such a comprehensive and fascinating documentary.
Thanks Pauline!
I was a conductor on the Disneyland Railroad for three seasons in the mid 1970s. The spiel back then was triggered when a metal switch hanging down from the bottom of the first car hit a block of wood along side the tracks. I know this because I got in trouble for fixing a loose bolt on the trigger when it malfunctioned.. The union electrician was not happy. At times when the spiel failed the conductors where required to give the it over the PA system. We were known to take some humorous liberties with the script.
We are going back to Disneyland again in April. My daughter is celebrating her anniversary of cancer free. My first time here was 1965….we have been to Disneyland at least 15 times. I have treasured memories from the happiest place on earth. Thank you friend…nothing is better than Disneyland.
Congratulations to your daughter! I hope you'll all have a fantastic visit to Disneyland.
Walt Disney's Carolwood Pacific Railroad Lilly Belle steam engine, some freight cars, and a caboose are on display at the Walt Disney Family Museum at the Presidio in San Francisco. This is an AMAZING museum that does justice to the history of Walt Disney with fascinating and lively displays. I know that, for many, Walt Disney's efforts were a part of their growing up. They will especially like this museum. It is one of the best museums I have ever visited.
Yes an excellent museum about Walts history with his studio and Disneyland. I consider myself blessed because I met Walts daughter Dianne there a year before she passed away! We chatted alittle and I got to take a picture with her. I can't explain how happy I felt when she put her arm around me for the picture which I cherish to this day.
While steam is RARELY seen on the mainline these day, there is hardly a youngster even now a days that you can hear them audibly imitate the sound of a steam whistle. These steam time machines can be found in amusement parks, steam tourist excursions. Truly a MUST for me to take as my 1st ride apart from the trams/monorail or ferry. I'm speaking of both American parks. I literally cried when I saw video of the Walt Disney World Railroad return to service before Christmas last year. Thanks again Alex! Hoping you a very fine 2023!
Alex, this is a fantastic documentary. I was a conductor on the Disneyland Railroad from 1981 until 1985, when I transferred to finish my time as a cast member as a monorail pilot. Your work brought back many fond memories! There's one small clarification I'd like to add to the story of the demise of Retlaw 1. The old car barn was converted to the ride vehicle paint shop earlier than your timeline reflects. When the Retlaw 1 cars were retired, all of them were stored in the back of the new roundhouse, not just 106, the Lilly Belle. I would often explore inside the old cars after putting away the last train of the night after the park closed, including checking out the old combine, which, as you mentioned, is beautifully displayed at the "Walt's Barn" museum at Griffith Park.
The Grand Canyon diorama is one of my favorite parts at Disneyland!
Long live Walt's Steam Dream! Thank you for this beautiful tribute to this key facet of the park's magic! ❤
Man. This is incredible. Best history teacher ever.
The most comprehensive and professional documentary on the Disneyland Railroad I've ever watched. Most excellent Alex! Thank you so much for this. You should be so proud of this work!
I worked as a tour guide at the DLR for over 15 years, and a lot of it included the detailed knowledge on DL and the family history. Your video was absolutely thorough, detailed, accurate and so informative. I am truly impressed by it and wanted to tell you that you did a wonderful job!!! Great video! Same with your monorail presentation as well. Thanks!
Thank you Maria, from a fellow veteran tour guide! I worked in Guest Relations from 2011-2013. A short stint, but it was certainly the pinnacle of my career at Disneyland.
@@AlextheHistorian Awww I just missed ya! Left in 2009. Great channel you’ve made! Now it makes sense lol. Stay awesome!
This was an excellent history into the Disney RR. I learned so many facts which I did not know, which is odd, considering I actually worked at Disneyland from 1999-2006, and then most recently, from 2022-2023. The best thing I love about this attraction, unlike any others in the park, is that you don’t have to get off…you could ride around as many times as you want, unless it’s the last ride of the night! Thank you.
Extremely well done. I have loved the trains since my childhood. I love that Walt insisted that they be real steam locomotives.
The railroad was always my favorite part of Disneyland. I liked the authenticity of the original passenger cars, but I understand the need to change. Having actual steam power is a great part of the system. Thank you for a great documentary of the Disneyland Railroad!
Wow, such good detail that was never released before.
I am 73 now and have been riding the tain since 1958. Every year at Christmas time. It makes me feel young again.
Alex, this was a fantastic video! Thank you for it. As someone who has only ever been to WDW, I never knew what I was missing.
WDW RR is pretty cool...but...I think I can say truthfully that Disneyland Railroad is the best lol
The original cars also have pockets to be pushed by pole from another track. Real attention to detail.
That was so well done. I have been going to Disneyland since 1964 and I never knew all the history of the trains. Amazing!!
An interesting aside is the one other almost catastrophe that befell the railroad. The operating crew let the water get too low on one of the locomotives (I can't remember which right now and my reference books are packed away) and caused substantial damage to the boiler that could have caused a crown sheet failure and boiler explosion. fortunately it was caught and the damaged boiler is now used as a training aid at the shop facility -- it appears in one of your shots inside the engine house (I believe the scene showing the Lilly Belle when it was closed up during retirement). Nicely done presentation.
This is the most amazing and comprehensive historical explanation I have ever seen.
Congratulations!
Thank you!
I just rode this train (the “Roy O. Disney”) for the first time with my wife last week at Disney World (celebrating our 20th Anniversary), and I hate to admit it, but I did not know it was an actual steamer until I got up to it! I assumed it had been replaced with diesel or electric long ago. I’m a huge steam rail fan and getting to talk to the conductor about this historic train and some of its history between rides was icing on the cake! This is an absolutely fantastic documentary! A subscribe and a like are the least I can do.
One of the things I loved about the trains, besides their aesthetics and practical transportation usage around the park, was how I could ride around on them all day long if I wanted to and watch the park as I passed by. I think the most I traveled on it ever was three rounds around the park. But knowing that they are authentically from the past, even over 100 years old some of them, makes me appreciate them that much more. The next time I'm riding them, I look forward to paying more attention to the little details. I've seen the Lilly Belle several times back in 2019, and while charmed by it's rich interiors, I didn't realize what it took to bring it back into the eyesight of the general public. Love it!
Very well done video. I had the opportunity to visit Disneyland four different times when I was living in West Virginia. That was in 1958, 1960, 1965 and 1968. As a railfan for quite a long time, I found it fascinating. I have not been to Disneyworld, but I would like to go back to Disneyland someday.
Just looking at the beginning of this year documentary I know that Walt was like a kid at heart when it comes to trains having that child like happiness seeing him enjoying trains
I grew up in the mid 60’s watching Walt talk on TV about his dreams and accomplishments.
It was a holiday for me every Thursday evening ( I think it was Thursday ) when he came on the TV. Like all the rest of us kids,
the Walt Disney experience was an escape into our imaginations.
I haven’t been to Disney Land, but have been to Disney World a couple times and hope to go again before I’m too old to.
Congratulations on a long but very thorough and very interesting documentary on Walt’s dream.
WELL DONE!!
and THANK YOU 🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂
I think this is the most comprehensive present of the Disneyland Railroad. Always THE favorite ride for us at the park. We have ridden in the Lille Belle, in July thought we were going to die from the heat! Riders were only allowed if a Cast member was available to ride in the car to chat with the passengers and prevent theft. If you look at the right rear corner of the interior, you'll see a small square marble topped table in that corner. We have the exact twin to it in our living room but ours still has the legs on it. The one in the Lillie Belle has had the legs cut off to bring it down to 5/8ths scale. It's actually an Italian Design according to the document that came with it, we inherited it and the dining room set to match it from my late in-laws, they bought the set back in the mid 1960's. I was speechless when we rode the Lillie Belle and i sat down and turned to look out the rear windows and saw "our table" sitting in the corner!
Thank you for this wonderful trip down memory lane, we're no longer in Calif and health issue now prevent travels, I'll be watching this again soon!
As a child I watched a tv show called, "The Wonderful World of Disney." It was on every week and as a family, we sat and watched it. During it, we watched weekly as Disneyland slowly took shape. Walt would talk about the latest creations in the park and show videos of what was being done and how. He sprinkled cartoons and other entertainment into the show, so all ages found it interesting. The man was truly a visionary. I remember those shows as if they were yesterday as they play in my mind today, some 66 years later.
I used to work at Disneyland back in 2001 and was one of the conductors on the rail road. We didn't really do anything but let people on and off each stop and yell all aboard, but it was a fun job. My favorite part of being on that ride was when you got the closing shift because after Disneyland closed you would ride the empty train all the way to a secret back lot area. To clock out you would have to walk through an empty Disneyland back to the train station to check with your supervisor. Super cool experience.
Wow thats awsome. If i may ask, were there any requirments to get the job?
@@TacticalPurplシ At the time nothing major. I had experience as a ride operator at Knott's so I'm sure that helped but they were mainly looking for social people that were open to interacting with customers.
@@rodrigobarba930 Cool, thanks
Great documentary on one of my favorite rides since childhood! Thank you for the great vid!
I am planning on visiting the Disneyland Railroad in late September 2023. Also I heard that #2 “E.P. Ripley” is back in service since March. I haven’t been to the Disneyland Railroad since October 2018. It’s a very cool trip. They have some wonderful steam locomotives.
Positively wonderful documentary. Easily the best on the subject, and you clearly know your stuff. Thank you!
Alex, thanks again for an informative and thorough history of Walt's love of trains, translating into the Disney Land railroad.
I’ve been aboard the trains of Disneyland CA. I’ve been there twice in 67 as a 22 yo boy and 86 as a 31 yo married man. Definitely a highlight of the park. The things I enjoyed the most was the park’s amazing architecture. Walt was quite the visionary.
Alex, wonderful bit of history and volumes of info about "Walt's Railroad"'.
Thanks!
These historical Disneyland videos are priceless!!! Thank you so much for this. The time and care you put into these shows your respect and appreciation of Walt’s dreams. I still miss him-he was a genius!
Brilliant! I love how you said, "...on a busy summer day..." - nowadays, EVERY day is a busy day at Disneyland. Downtime used to be after Christmas and before spring break. Not anymore!
Check out the engine at Silver wood in Idaho. Disney wanted to buy this one in 88. It runs on 3 and 1 half miles of track, she's a beauty!
Just looked, it's beautiful!
Awesome video to love! I especially love the photo of Wally Boag on the hangar being chased by the E.P. Ripley.
If someone were to ask me what is the must-do attraction at Disneyland, I'd say the railroad every time. Not only is it fun, it's also a nice way to get from one side of the park to another. I make it a point to always ride the train once around the park whenever I visit. Excellent documentary!
Love to see a monorail history video for Disney land and world, along with the history of the railroad at Disney world
Walt's Disneyland Monorail Part 1:
ruclips.net/video/_QPz7uRzQ3U/видео.html&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
Walt's Disneyland Monorail Part 2:
ruclips.net/video/w1UzZmQI_n8/видео.html&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
History of the Walt Disney World Monorail:
ruclips.net/video/-KUNlS28B-A/видео.html&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
Those are my videos. I dont have a history of the Walt Disney World Railroad because I felt that it changed so little over the years it really has no history...and I'll admit, I dont like it at all. But if you want to learn how it was created, I've included it in my video about the creation of Walt Disney World:
Disney World: Walt's Final Dream
ruclips.net/video/RWpoJIOmIz4/видео.html&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
This is amazing I’m a big train fan and Disney fan so this just made me happy so good job
Alex, your presentation of the Disney railway is fantastic!! I’ve ridden it as well as several railways at zoos and amusement parks (I love them all). What makes your presentation so fantastic is the professionalism and joy in your voice, great job Alex
Excellent work! I am a huge Walt Disney (the person) fan and I will watch just about any documentary that touches on the life of Walt Disney… This has to be one of the best documentaries I’ve seen, perhaps even better than corporate junk released and sold with old stock footage and regurgitated information. this documentary was enjoyable, and filled with great New information. Like In previous comments I also feel that it makes you feel very nostalgic , to think that we will never experienced again anything like the Disneyland we had even 10 or 15 years ago.
Thank you, your work shows the heart that was poured into this documentary
Thanks Ray!
This hands-down, made my night!
The railroad was usually where I went to rest my aching back and feet. But I LOVED the Grand Canyon diorama and looked forward to seeing it each time. And those wee triceratops babies, cute as little buttons -- way up near the top of my favorite "Disney characters" list.
Incredible doc. This right here is why youtube is the only video service I need. Never ending supply of world class content.
Thank you!
This video belongs in a museum somewhere. I learned so much and it kept me interested the whole time. I could totally picture this featured in the park
Thank you!
So Good!!!! Disneyland is redoing the tracks now!! Hopefully fix the screeching right before it goes over Rivers of America Bridge!
I love this video I love the train at Disneyland I have a picture of my grandma dressed as marry poppins on the back of the Lilly belle in 1979
as a young kid in the mid 60s, we got to go to Disney. The train is something I remember to this day..
Awesome, Alex. Thanks for putting it all together!! 😄
You're welcome!
9:45 it’s that kind of attention to detail that sells the magic. Good enough isn’t enough when your job is building an experience that is meant to leave a meaningful impact on people.
We just returned from six days at Disney World , wow just wow , Disney World sets a kids imagination on fire . We loved every second of our vacation and will return January 25’ , the cooler weather makes the experience just that much better .
Hey Alex! I actually volunteer at the Walt Disney Barn where the footage of the yellow combine is shot (around 8:10 in your video). I will be using some of the facts that I learned in your video today when I volunteer, so thank you for the wealth of knowledge. As a trade, I offer this Fun Fact: as a cost-saving measure, the combine is actually fitted with bus seats instead of traditional train seats! If you ever visit, you can look through the windows and still see the bus seats just like they were on opening day.
Thanks Jonathan, and yes your fun fact was also in my video during that scene lol
@@AlextheHistorian OMG I was in such a rush to write this I totally missed it. Thank you again for the video!
You're welcome!
Alex, this and your Monorail vids are your Disneyland Crowning achievements. This and the Monorail videos are timeless.......
Thank you!
What a great little video! I had no idea that anyone gave a hoot about the railroad at Disneyland. This was very well done. Thank you!
You're welcome!
What a nostalgic video this was very entertaining. Thanks!
Thanks Alex for showing us these locomotives and trains from Disneyland.
Last time that I was there was 1975 and yes, I rode on one of the trains. If the Disney company buys out half of Anaheim and very much expands the train and monorail systems; I will go back and enjoy the rides. I also subscribed to your channel.
Alex, this video truly deserves a million views! It is absolutely amazing! I know you are not big on Disney videos anymore, however this one is GREAT! Very educational and informative. I hope this spreads like wildfire on RUclips!
Thanks Ed!
@@AlextheHistorian my pleasure. You’re amazing!
AUDIO is TOP NOTCH!!! The music that starts around 21:25 min's is perfect one of my favorite, plus it is loud enough to hear clearly but MOST IMPORTANT does interfere with your conversation volume! So many RUclipss get it wrong, voice is always key, and the music needs to never interrupt!
Incredible video! Thank you so much!
What a great production. Very much appreciated.
I would like to add one detail: ringing the bell when entering a station indicates to the station staff that the train is operating normally. NOT ringing the bell indicates that something is going on and the train should not be boarded. We learned this from a conductor on the "Magic behind our steam trains" tour in WDW several years ago.
Thats weird that they told you that. Then again, I hear a lot of weird stuff originally told by the staff of the Walt Disney World Railroad. It's important for me to mention that the Walt Disney World Railroad does not operate authentically the way the old railroads did. I hate to say it, but they make up a lot of their own rules and among the Railroad enthusiasts we kind of joke about the silliness the WDWRR does in its operation.
In real life, not just in Disney Parks, but in real life. The bell is sounded at a station so everyone anywhere near the train knows a train is approaching and to stay clear the tracks. It's essentially just an alert that a big dangerous moving object is nearby.
When I was a kid in the '50s my cousin and I went to Ward Kimball's house and they let us into the back yard. I saw that little station house there. He had a stuffed lion in it.
Excellent video. We lived in the San Diego area 1963-64. We visited Disneyland in late 1963 and again in early 1964. As I write this in September 2023 I recall riding the Disneyland trains, but I don’t remember many details. I also rode the monorail. I live in Minnesota now, and it’s doubtful I’ll ever get back to Disneyland. Your documentary told me more about the trains than I could have ever imagined. Keep up the good work.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?!?
You're making my neverending love for trains and the Disneyland Railroad only grow further exponentially!!!
Anyway, LOVE EVERYTHING said and shown here! But I politely ask for you to stop causing me to love trains more than I did previously.
STOP THIS MADNESS!! NOW
NEVER!
@@AlextheHistorian You better! DO AS I SAY!! Or I'll tickle you to death!
Uh oh
Fantastic!!! Excellent video and very comprehensive history lesson. I feel this is the best history based documentary video on the Disney RR I’ve ever found. My compliments to you Alex. I have subscribed to your channel based on this one video but plan to watch many more of your videos in the future.
Thank you Ian!
Oh this is one of my favorite topics of yours!
Well done! So many of my childhood memories recalled in one documentary! I could see the Matterhorn from my grandmother's back yard on Dunklee Lane. As a kid I visited the park countless times on Orange County and Riverside county and NASA (federal) employee days ... Aah, to run from ride to ride, no lines, ride the trains multiple times in one visit... *sigh... parts of my life were truly charmed, Thank you SO Much for this recounting of so many of my memories!
Very nice upgrade, showed this to my kids tonight. Many thanks!
Glad you all enjoyed it!
Outstanding video!! Great job!! I worked at Disneyland as a young man and this really brought back some great memories!! THANK YOU
I would love to see these engines one day, they have such rich history
What a great documentary - unsurpassed ! I'm DL'ing it for my documentary library. Thank you so much Sir - what an enjoyment !👍👍👍💫💫💫💫💫
Glad you like it, thanks!
Wanted to save and watch on the big screen, but to excited got to watch now. KUDOs!!
Thanks!
I’ve always thought the only Disney railroad was that monorail in Disney world. The more you learn
Don't know if they're running it agian (After all the closures due to a certain Pandemic) but they used to do a fantastic behind the scenes tour of the train system in Walt Disney World. It's fascinating.
Last week my partner and I got on it at Toontown, thinking it was just going to be a nice little way to get to the other side of the park when we were tired (i also love trains)
I cannot express my joy at SURPRISE DINOSAURS
This documentary was amazing. The detail given, and the footage and images used are second to none. This attraction (at any of the parks I have visited and ridden the railway at) is always one of my favourites, and watching some of this footage made me unexpectedly emotional with such wonderful memories. Bravo on this, I enjoyed every second, and really appreciate your work in producing it.
Thank you!
Thank you for a wonderful, thorough, and entertaining video. As historical documentaries go, your work speaks for itself.
Thank you!
Outstanding documentary! You solved many mysteries for me and thank you for breaking down who did the narrations over the years. Just wonderful stuff. ❤
I could listen to you talk about these trains for hours! Even though I don't like Disney, it was fascinating to see just how much development went into such a small railway. Awesome vid!
Thanks, yes, in my opinion it's the most remarkable privately owned model railroad.
You know I've watched alot of other videos about the DLRR but this is by far the best!
Thank you!
Great video. Rest In Peace Walt Disney
Excellent work! There are so many details here I never knew about (or maybe just forgot since watching the original version). If this will be your last Disney video, it's a great one to go out on.
Thank you!
Outstanding work on this documentary. This is the best documentary I’ve seen on Disney yet
Thank you!
Never visited Walt Disney land. This documentary well narrated and excellent photo quality is a Star. Disney was awesome in his output. Hopefully he will return with Elvis !. Joycreaters. All the people still running the parks should be given medals. Thank you playmates. Dave
I Love Walt's Trains :)
Again… the Best Disney railroad documentary I’ve seen, although I pretty much figured it would be. Great job!! And thank you,! 😊
Thanks Michelle!
Excellent video! I’ve been a fan of the Disney trains for over 60 years, but I learned things from your video that I never knew.
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
It's a gorgious old train I can't imagin that train on a auction block .
Such beautiful Trains. I was fortunate to ride in the special car a few times and have a few of the special tickets that you get when you get to ride it.