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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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 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!
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 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.
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 🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂
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.
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.
When I first worked at Disneyland in 1980, we took an orientation backstage tour of the maintenance facilities and saw the original roundhouse with several train tracks leading into it from the Rivers of America. That building (called the Cycle Shop at the time) was already being used for other purposes such as rehabbing large attraction vehicles (i.e., pirate boats, jungle boats, etc.). However, I did see the yellow passenger stored inside a room in the north part of the monorail/steam trains roundhouse near “it’s a small world” until they were sold. I believe the same room as the Lily Belle photo in your video. BTW… GREAT VIDEO, I loved watching it.
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.
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!
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.
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
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!
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 UA-cams get it wrong, voice is always key, and the music needs to never interrupt!
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!
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.
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
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.
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!
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!
...I went there way, way back in the late 70's, when I was a kid...I can't wait to go back again after so long. Your information will GREATLY enhance my future visit. I❤ 🚂 🚂 🚂
🙋 ...the music chosen also enhances, and the voice is right-on-the-money. Can't imsgine the # of hours spent on the reasearch. Who doesn't like Disneyland ❤
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 UA-cam!
Walt's Disneyland Monorail Part 1: ua-cam.com/video/_QPz7uRzQ3U/v-deo.html&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE Walt's Disneyland Monorail Part 2: ua-cam.com/video/w1UzZmQI_n8/v-deo.html&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE History of the Walt Disney World Monorail: ua-cam.com/video/-KUNlS28B-A/v-deo.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 ua-cam.com/video/RWpoJIOmIz4/v-deo.html&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
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 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.
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.
I worked as a seasonal janitor and got to clean Retlaw #1 Thanksgiving or Christmas vacation 1970 for the next-day rain. I got to ride before heading home🙂
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
2-10-2024, 8:08PM, PST : This was outstanding. I enjoyed the full 56:33 of this documentary about the Disneyland's railroad. I have been going to Disneyland since the early 60's. I have never gone to Disneyland and have not ridden the train while I was there. This documentary made my eyes water a little bit. I love Disneyland's trains and I love Disneyland. P.S. I am 70 years old. May the rails be with us. 🚂 🚂 🚂
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.
Outstanding documentary! You solved many mysteries for me and thank you for breaking down who did the narrations over the years. Just wonderful stuff. ❤
Love this video! The history is so in depth about the various locomotives, rolling stock, and track changes. Kudos to you for the effot this must have required!
@Alex this Historiann: Remember those trains when I lived in the area. Really enjoyed the history, narration, and the advances since I left. Thank you.
FANTASTIC VIDEO!!! I've never been to the California Disneyland, but now that is on my bucket list. Love to see my Maine trains of the WW&F Railway in Alna ME featured earlier in this video. Thank you, Alex.
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 UA-cam. You cover a lot of ground in 56 minutes. Great work Alex!
Thanks!
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.
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 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.
I just noticed the beavers chewing on the new trestle at 47:37
Long live Walt's Steam Dream! Thank you for this beautiful tribute to this key facet of the park's magic! ❤
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!
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 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 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 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!
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.
That was so well done. I have been going to Disneyland since 1964 and I never knew all the history of the trains. Amazing!!
Man. This is incredible. Best history teacher ever.
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.
Alex, wonderful bit of history and volumes of info about "Walt's Railroad"'.
Thanks!
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 🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂
Oh this is one of my favorite topics of yours!
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.
This is the most amazing and comprehensive historical explanation I have ever seen.
Congratulations!
Thank you!
Wow, such good detail that was never released before.
Alex I have to say man, this is prob one of the best videos you have ever made! 10/10 Fantastic work.
Thanks!
This is amazing I’m a big train fan and Disney fan so this just made me happy so good job
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.
Incredible doc. This right here is why youtube is the only video service I need. Never ending supply of world class content.
Thank you!
Very Nice Documentary, We run & sell the same 1/8” scale or 7.5” gauge trains that Disney used to run. 1:40
Replicas of them, you mean? Walt built everything on his railroad from scratch at his studio machine and carpentry shops
@@AlextheHistorian Sorry, ours are not replicated to Disney’s, we just run on the same scale & sell supplies.
Oh ok 👍 I kinda wish I owned some land, I'd build a backyard live steam railroad
Positively wonderful documentary. Easily the best on the subject, and you clearly know your stuff. Thank you!
Awesome video to love! I especially love the photo of Wally Boag on the hangar being chased by the E.P. Ripley.
I'm very proud and honored to have been given the privilege of having ridden in the Lilly Belle Parlor car with my family.
When I first worked at Disneyland in 1980, we took an orientation backstage tour of the maintenance facilities and saw the original roundhouse with several train tracks leading into it from the Rivers of America. That building (called the Cycle Shop at the time) was already being used for other purposes such as rehabbing large attraction vehicles (i.e., pirate boats, jungle boats, etc.). However, I did see the yellow passenger stored inside a room in the north part of the monorail/steam trains roundhouse near “it’s a small world” until they were sold. I believe the same room as the Lily Belle photo in your video. BTW… GREAT VIDEO, I loved watching it.
Extremely well done. I have loved the trains since my childhood. I love that Walt insisted that they be real steam locomotives.
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!
Alex, thanks again for an informative and thorough history of Walt's love of trains, translating into the Disney Land railroad.
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!
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.
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
Outstanding work on this documentary. This is the best documentary I’ve seen on Disney yet
Thank you!
Incredible video! Thank you so much!
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!
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!
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 UA-cams get it wrong, voice is always key, and the music needs to never interrupt!
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!
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.
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!
Alex, this and your Monorail vids are your Disneyland Crowning achievements. This and the Monorail videos are timeless.......
Thank you!
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!
Excellent video with timely clips and accurate, comprehensive research. Well done!!
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!
This is so comprehensive, its unreal, Thank you so much Alex!
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!
Awesome, Alex. Thanks for putting it all together!! 😄
You're welcome!
Great documentary on one of my favorite rides since childhood! Thank you for the great vid!
👏👏👏
Beautifully crafted documentary. Beautifully made.
Thank you ❤
...I went there way, way back in the late 70's, when I was a kid...I can't wait to go back again after so long. Your information will GREATLY enhance my future visit.
I❤ 🚂 🚂 🚂
I'm glad I could help. Have fun!
🙋
...the music chosen also enhances, and the voice is right-on-the-money.
Can't imsgine the # of hours spent on the reasearch.
Who doesn't like Disneyland ❤
@martintapia9374 Thanks! It was a lifetime of gathering knowledge and then 6 months of cross referencing, filming, and editing.
...I'm humbled by your dedication.
Gracias from Mexico City
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 UA-cam!
Thanks Ed!
@@AlextheHistorian my pleasure. You’re amazing!
This hands-down, made my night!
Very nice documentary about one of my favorite parts of the park. Thank you!
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:
ua-cam.com/video/_QPz7uRzQ3U/v-deo.html&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
Walt's Disneyland Monorail Part 2:
ua-cam.com/video/w1UzZmQI_n8/v-deo.html&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
History of the Walt Disney World Monorail:
ua-cam.com/video/-KUNlS28B-A/v-deo.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
ua-cam.com/video/RWpoJIOmIz4/v-deo.html&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
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 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.
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.
I worked as a seasonal janitor and got to clean Retlaw #1 Thanksgiving or Christmas vacation 1970 for the next-day rain. I got to ride before heading home🙂
Very nice upgrade, showed this to my kids tonight. Many thanks!
Glad you all enjoyed it!
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!
Thank you for a wonderful, thorough, and entertaining video. As historical documentaries go, your work speaks for itself.
Thank you!
Outstanding video!! Great job!! I worked at Disneyland as a young man and this really brought back some great memories!! THANK YOU
13:00 Ohh..so that is where the Deja Vu trian car meme came from.
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!
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
What an amazing tribute to a great attraction! I learned a great deal! Thank you so much for posting!!
My pleasure!
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.
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.
This answered so many questions from my childhood!! Very well done. Thank you
What a nostalgic video this was very entertaining. Thanks!
This is an impressively detailed video! Thanks!
Excellent long format well researched and thought out video.
UA-cam needs more of this kind of content. Thank you.
Great video. Rest In Peace Walt Disney
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!
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
Wanted to save and watch on the big screen, but to excited got to watch now. KUDOs!!
Thanks!
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.
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!
2-10-2024, 8:08PM, PST
: This was outstanding. I enjoyed the full 56:33 of this documentary about the Disneyland's railroad. I have been going to Disneyland since the early 60's. I have never gone to Disneyland and have not ridden the train while I was there. This documentary made my eyes water a little bit. I love Disneyland's trains and I love Disneyland.
P.S. I am 70 years old. May the rails be with us. 🚂 🚂 🚂
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.
Your videos are always a delight to watch and I learn so many things from your insight.
Thanks!
Outstanding documentary! You solved many mysteries for me and thank you for breaking down who did the narrations over the years. Just wonderful stuff. ❤
Love this video! The history is so in depth about the various locomotives, rolling stock, and track changes. Kudos to you for the effot this must have required!
Thanks! Yes it took almost a year of working on this video between other projects.
@Alex this Historiann: Remember those trains when I lived in the area. Really enjoyed the history, narration, and the advances since I left. Thank you.
This is wonderful, Great work, thanks for taking the time to put this together.
Again… the Best Disney railroad documentary I’ve seen, although I pretty much figured it would be. Great job!! And thank you,! 😊
Thanks Michelle!
Great content and delivery. Loved this documentary!
I never even knew this existed! wow, thanks for documenting this piece of history
You know I've watched alot of other videos about the DLRR but this is by far the best!
Thank you!
FANTASTIC VIDEO!!! I've never been to the California Disneyland, but now that is on my bucket list. Love to see my Maine trains of the WW&F Railway in Alna ME featured earlier in this video. Thank you, Alex.
Wonderfully done! last time I was on this was 50 years ago!
I am 73 now and have been riding the tain since 1958. Every year at Christmas time. It makes me feel young again.