This week we visit the small railroads at Disneyland, the Main Street Horse Cars, the Red Cars at California Adventure, Casey Jones Jr Circus Train, and Natures Wonderland Railroad, also know as the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train, these days, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
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When Disneyland opened in 1955 there were several small railroads built or under construction. The best know are the Main Street Horse Drawn Trolley's. These are kept right outside Walt and Lilly's apartment in a small space between City Hall on Main Street and the Jungle Cruise in Adventure Land. Amazing that this ride is right next to Main Street!!
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On to the the Red Cars at California Adventure. These are 5/8 scale models of Pacific Electric Red Trolleys from Hollywood's Golden Age. These are the California Adventure counterpoint to Disneyland's Horse Cars.
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Next to Casey Jones Jr Circus Train (The Little Engine that Could) in Storybook Land in Fantasyland. This little train was designed by Ward Kimball and was ready for opening day, in spite of the fact it tended to derail a bit. Storybook Land is a miniature Bonsai garden with scenes from Disney Animated films. The garden can also be viewed from the Storybook Land Canal Boats. Which is near Dumbo the Flying Elephant and The Mad Hatter Tea Party rides.
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And finally on to Natures Wonderland Railroad in Frontierland. Also know as the Rainbow Caverns Mine train. This railroad was later replaced by Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The ride was not ready for the opening in 1955, and opened in 1956. Interesting bit of Disneyland history, it was on this ride that the very yummy Doritos were invented!!