Special Guest Post: Knott's Berry Farm Locomotives - Part 3

Hey hey! Today is Part Three in the series of posts contributed by GDB amigo Steve DeGaetano. He scanned a bunch of his Knott's Berry Farm postcards, all featuring the locomotives that we all love. And of course he provided some amazing history and information, for valuable context. Take it away, Steve!

Knott's 13: Here’s the second vertical card, this time showing No. 40, Green River. The pedant in me frets to no end about the very tippy end of the cowcatcher being cut off! Note the chain railings that kept guests from getting too close. Since these images were taken, the engine has been renumbered to 340—the number it wore when it served the Denver & Rio Grande Western—and the orange trim has been relegated to history.

Knott's 14: We’re now on to the last three cards. All of these appear to have been manufactured in the second decade of this century. Here we have a similar shot of Green River as the one above, but thankfully the entire cowcatcher is visible! The engine is under power, with a dramatic plume of steam issuing from the cylinders. Today, after a seven-year rebuild completed in 2016, Green River is painted mostly green (go figure?), with brass boiler bands, black cab with green panel under the windows, and a black tender with Rio Grande “speed lettering.” She has also been renumbered back to 340.

Knott's 15: This is a very cool nighttime shot of No. 41 passing under the cliffs of the Timber Mountain Log Ride, 32-volt headlight piercing the darkness. The crew has spent considerable time trying to make the engine look as much as it did in the late 1940s as they could, from the rectangular number plate to the spark arrestor on top of the smokestack.  This is the first time we’re told that the engine was renamed Walter K in 2012 (Boo. I much prefer the original, evocative name of Red Cliff. Mr. Knott, while a true visionary, already has an entire park named after him!)

Knott's 16: And finally, another shot of Ol’ No. 41 in daylight. The only concession to the “amusement park locomotive aesthetic” are the glossy black paint and the brass handrails. The crew have even replaced the long, pointy cowcatcher with an authentic stubby “pilot” made of used boiler tubes. The Knott’s handcar photobombs in the foreground. A few years ago No. 41 was completely rebuilt by the Durango & Silverton Railroad in Colorado, and did several test runs on its old right-of-way in December 2023. You can search YouTube for some amazing videos of her in her natural element!

Knott's 17: Since the majority of the postcards have featured No. 41, I thought, as a bonus, to throw a bit of photographic love towards No. 340, Green River. Here are a couple of unusual pictures from my personal collection, featuring the cab interior of the engine.

 

This first photo is from the engineer’s side. The Knott’s engines are much different than the Disney engines, in that the boilers extend through the cab all the way to the back cab wall! This is known as a “deckless” engine. I’m no expert on these engines, but I can point out a few things. The largest gauge at top center is the steam pressure gauge, with the brake gauge to its right. The throttle is the horizontal bar under the two red valve handles to the right, and the worn brass release of the vertical reverse lever, or Johnson Bar, is below that. The large overhead pipe is the steam line to the water injectors.

Knott's 18: And finally, this is the fireman’s side of Green River. Again, the pipe along the roof goes to the Fireman’s water injector. I’m guessing the brass valve under the red valve handle to the left is the firing valve. I’m also not sure what the white gauge is at the center—possibly for the atomizer, which sprays the fuel into a fine (and very combustible) mist.

There you go! I have truly loved this multi-part look at the locomotives (and vintage postcards) at Knott's Berry Farm - a park that I has meant so much to me since I was a child. And come on, who doesn't love a big ol' train?? I want to thank Steve DeGaetano for his generosity in offering to create these posts, with the scanning and research and writing. It's a lot of work! But so worth it. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have. 

Frontierland

When you think of how many Frontierland scans I've already shared from the Mysterious Benefactor (MANY hundreds), it's shocking to know that there are still hundreds to go. The gift that keeps on giving. I'm grateful to him for entrusting me to share them with you.

Most of today's scans are "Golden Horseshoe" related - except for this first one. Based on the costume that this Cavalry officer is wearing (complete with authentic polarized frontier sunglasses), we can assume that this photo was taken on Tom Sawyer Island. Does he have a gun holster?? I can't tell what he's doing, the guest is getting the third degree.  

Here's an artistic night photo of the sign above the entrance to the Golden Horseshoe. It almost looks like a "day for night" effect. This was probably taken by Helmet Newton (not to be confused with Helmut Newton). 

"Yes, ma'am, there is plenty of rootin' and tootin' in the Golden Horseshoe Revue". "Do you think that my six year-old can watch so much tootin'?". "You have my solemn word as a member of AAA that he will be fine". "Bless you, sir" (tears flowing). This is known as The Disney Difference.

You don't have to say a word, Cliff, I understand completely. His break is in three minutes, and he knows he's going to spend the next 15 talking to this woman.

Well well well, I see that the purty gals aren't just in the show! This young lady is admiring the claws on the hand of another woman out of frame to our left. "How do you get them so thick and yellow?". "I never wash my hands!". "I would have never thought of that!".

And finally, who doesn't love a rare look at a performance of the Golden Horseshoe Revue? The stage is so little that it almost looks like the crowd is watching a puppet show, but those aren't puppets. The dancers are flesh and blood like us.

THANK YOU, Mysterious Benefactor!

Snoozles - March 15, 1957

It's always a bit of a disappointment to scan some early Disneyland slides that appear (to the naked eye) to be very nice, but they turn out to be just a little bit out of focus. Today's examples are from a lot from March, 1957, and while they have their flaws, they are still worth a gander.

It's a beautiful, sunny day, though perhaps cooler than you might think (notice a number of coats and sweaters). Looks perfect to me. The entrance to Frontierland looks a bit sparse, but that's how life on the plains was. Trees were not plentiful, because they were all cut down to build log forts, stockades, cabins, and 6-11s (they change the name to "7-11" in the 1940s). You can still see some of the stumps of trees in the lower left, I don't think those remained there for much longer (tree stumps became a valuable resource during the Cold War). 

This next one was a real heartbreaker, I always love a good view of the pre-Nature's Wonderland Mine Trains in their original dark green paint scheme. Lucky guests ride up in the locomotive while a brave Redshirt keeps an eye out for mountain lions and vampire bats. The train is passing through the Saguaro Forest, and it looks like some California poppies have sprung up on that hillside. Our State flower! Just over that mini-berm is the tallest mast of the Pirate Ship.

La Brea Tar Pits - August 1969

I've had today's scans on my computer for a long time. It's high time I used them! One of Los Angeles's more unusual features is the La Brea Tarpits. For one thing - they are tar pits. For another - they are right on Wilshire Boulevard, along the "Miracle Mile". Next door to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and (now) across the street from the Petersen Automotive Museum.

The tar pits (it's actually asphaltum) are located in a pretty parklike setting - there are larger pits (or pools) or tar that have been there for a long time, but sometimes you'll find a small seep oozing out of the ground. One time I saw a poor (and dead) squirrel trapped in one, just like the Smilodons (aka "sabertooth cats") of 15,000 years ago. In this view, the massive Park LaBrea apartments loom over the scene - one of my good friends used to live there, he had amazing views of the city from his windows.

Guides and smart-alecks love to tell you that "La Brea Tar Pits" translates to The Tar Tar Pits. You should see the looks on their faces when they drop that bomb on people! They are very pleased. Beyond this sign you can see the large "Lake Pit", and past that, the Museum of Art. With so much oily glop everywhere, it surprises me that some plants still seem to thrive.

There's the Lake Pit again, which is over 3,000 feet (1,000 meters) long. Inhale the heady methane fumes as large bubbles bloop to the surface. It's fun! I don't remember that "island" in the middle, but I would like to build a home there. The tall buildings are across Wilshire Blvd. I would assume that measures need to be taken whenever construction takes place in that vicinity in order to deal with asphaltum in the ground.

Some people have claimed that this is the most interesting and exciting photo to ever appear in the Internet. Far be it from me to argue with them.

I don't remember ever seeing this sculpture of a mama smilodon and two cubs before, though it's possible it was there when I was a child. I'm pretty sure this is long-gone now.

Still present today is this sculpture of a Columbian Mammoth (from the Pleistocene era), caught in the sticky goo. It's not going to end well. I've mentioned it before, but this mammoth actually floats on a submerged "raft", and it will drift around in the wind.

I hope you have enjoyed your visit to The Tar Tar Pits!

A Pair From the 1950s

I've been scanning a group of faded 35mm slides - some were so washed out that they seemed destined to be future Snoozles. But thanks to Photoshop, many were restored to something approximating their former glory! Here are two of the nicer examples.

When I viewed this slide on my light table (so light that it wants to float away in a breeze), and didn't think much of it, but after a quick scan and the twiddling of a few knobs, we can now see that Black Bart is giving us the evil eye. He looks plum loco! I'm guessing that the fellow sitting next to him worked on the Mark Twain - he might be loco too.

I was especially happy with the way this slide looked after restoration - it's a wonderful shot of an ice cream vendor in the "dress whites" that you'd see in those early years, also worn by popcorn vendors and sweepers. I don't have my bearings, but if I had to guess, I'd say that the Castle is probably out of frame to our left, and the hilly area in the distance (behind the vendor) is roughly where Holiday Hill was. But I could be wrong. I wish I could figure out what that scaffolding was for in the background!

EXTRA! EXTRA!

The Mysterious Benefactor, friend of GDB (and all mankind) helped to ID the location of the Ice Cream Vendor photo, including photo evidence from Daveland (used with permission - see their origins HERE and HERE).

In my photo, you can just see a bit of a sign to the left of the vendor himself - it is not legible, but thanks to Dave's photo, we know it advertised the "Richfield Autopia of Fantasyland". 

In this next photo, you can see the location of the Ice Cream Vendor to the left, and the Monsanto House of the Future is right about where the scaffolding is located in my own scan (though construction is much farther along in Dave's photo):

MANY THANKS to the Mysterious Benefactor and to Dave DeCaro for their help!

 

Frontierland, August 1970

Here's a trio of perfectly nice photos from Frontierland, which would be called "Tomorrowland" if you'd been born in the Middle Ages. Think about it. 

The Mark Twain has taken on a full compliment of passengers, to be delivered upriver to the Soylent company (founded by General Amos Soylent) for a factory tour. I've heard that guests receive a snack and a juice box at the end of the tour (sort of like the cookie and soda you get after touring Walt's apartment), but can find no first-person accounts for some reason. Gosh it sounds like a hoot!

The Burning Settler's Cabin was living up to its name in 1970 - a few years before that dumb Energy Crisis ruined all our fun. As you can see, the cabin was surrounded by large, mature trees by 1970, which makes it look quite a bit smaller than it used to. But don't worry, those trees never grew larger than 5/8 scale. Stinky Sam is so relaxed, I really admire him.

This view of an elk was definitely not taken from one of the Mark Twain's upper levels - perhaps it was taken from a Keelboat? Impossible to say of course. You might see many critters along the River, including elk, meese, deer, and giant sloths.  

Disneyland Dogs - February 10, 1978

It's time for a fun trio of scans, courtesy of Sue B., from photos taken by her dad, Lou Perry! Lou was there on February 10, 1978. Thanks to "Jason's Disneyland Almanac", we know that February 10th was a Friday, the park was open from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM, the temperature only got up to 61º, and (you wouldn't know it by looking at these), there was 1.7 inches of rain (maybe that was earlier in the morning, or later that night).

Folks who wanted to have their picture taken in the Carnation truck got an extra bonus, because Pluto was there, just waiting for the paparazzi. He played it smart, and the photographers were his friends rather than his adversaries, and they'd "look the other way" so as not to embarrass him in The Enquirer. He's gesturing to indicate that his eyes were still dilated from a visit to the Optometrist. 

Don't be scared! Just sit on down! This is all very normal.

Next, another Disney Dog - GOOFY! Though he is less dog-like and more of a funny-looking person. If you know what I mean. It looks like Goofy has pulled up a curb to sit next to a young fan - I love it when the characters take advantage of a situation and turn it into a bit of magic. This was over 45 years ago, but I wonder if that now-grown kid still remembers this encounter? With all of the bricks and wrought iron, I'm assuming that this was taken in New Orleans Square, perhaps over near the Haunted Mansion.

THANK YOU, Lou and Sue!

Special Guest Post: Knott's Berry Farm Locomotives - Part 2

It's time for Part Two in a series of Special Guest Posts from GDB friend Steve DeGaetano, featuring his collection of vintage postcards from Knott's Berry Farm. relating to the wonderful narrow-gauge locomotives. Part One was a banger, and this installment is equally great! As before,  Steve has done plenty of research to enrich our appreciation of these cards. Let's go!

Knott's 7: This next card is undated, but somehow seems newer than the previous card. Still wearing the fake stack and oil headlight, we are also treated to a good view of the long, red “cowcatcher” out in front. The combination baggage/passenger car right behind the Chief’s outstretched arm was converted from the parlor car Chama, and was then known as Calico. It has since been repainted a dark Pullman green with its original name. The caption is identical to the card #6.

Knott's 8: This is a nice overview of Calico Square. No. 40 is in the background, not quite in position to take water from the water tower. The tender carries about 700 gallons of fuel and 25,000 gallons of water. We have one of Bud Hurlbut’s little mine train tank engines in the foreground.

Knott's 9: Another wide shot of No. 41 in Calico Square. The D&RGW reclassified its “Class 70” locomotives to the “C-19” class in 1924 (“C” for “Consolidation”—the name for a 2-8-0 wheel configuration and “19” for 19,000 pounds of tractive effort, or pulling power). Both engines today wear the C-19 designations on their cabs.

Knott's 10: This lovely view of Calico Square features another view of No. 40. I’m not sure when Gold Nugget became Green River, but I much prefer the latter name, which Wikipedia states was in fact the engine’s original name when built in 1881. Dated by the postcard writer May 1977, we get a great view of the converted parlor car Chama, with the front baggage section having been added, here named Calico.

Knott's 11: This postcard features a photograph that appears to be from the early 1950s, but the card design and the barcode on the back is in the style of cards from the 2000s. Again, a nice portrait of No. 40, with the kids showing just how close you could once get to the engines. Note the curved handrail on the front of the engine, above the number plate.

Knott's 12: This is the first of two “vertical” postcards, one of each locomotive. This card featured No. 41 in the glossy black finish she wore when I first got to know her in 1980 (giving us a rough date period). This also represents the engine’s first steps towards a more authentic paint scheme, with accurate Rio Grande Southern tender lettering. While not authentic, I was nonetheless mesmerized by the brass boiler bands and handrails against the deep glossy black.

OK, that's the end of Part Two! Next Tuesday, you'll see the third and final installment of Steve's KBF postcards (plus a little bit extra). THANK YOU, Steve, for all of your hard work! I hope you all have enjoyed these as much as I have.

*******************

EXTRA! EXTRA! GDB friend Pilsner Panther, who is crisp and refreshing (by all accounts) sent along a neat image of silent-film luminary Buster Keaton, in danger of being flattened by one of the locomotives at Knott's Berry Farm! I think that the Gold Nugget (ol' # 40) is bearing down on Buster, but it's hard to be sure. Steve D. will probably know! After a little research, I found a description that said: In 1956, legendary silent film comedian Buster Keaton visited Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, where he was photographed playfully recreating a classic railroad gag. Pictures show Keaton feigning to have his foot stuck in the railroad tracks of the Calico and Ghost Town Railroad, near Western Ave.

What a great photo of a great filmmaker/actor/genius! Thank you, Pilsner Panther.

Randos

Here's a couple of randos - I wasn't sure what to do with them, so why not post them together? This first scan is dated "December, 1980", and shows some sort of stage show, performed by a number of different Disney characters. I honestly don't know where this took place - at first I thought it could be the Videopolis stage, but that didn't exist in 1980. So I am relying on you, dear reader, to help me ID the location (my guess is that this won't take long)! The guy in the foreground did the old "pretends to yawn so he can put his arm around his date" move. A classic!

Next, it's more than a decade earlier (February, 1970), and Mickey is leading the Disneyland Band through the park. Would the "Alice" attraction be just out of frame to our right? Ralphie from "A Christmas Story" hopes that he can lead a marching band someday. Meanwhile, the tuba player knows that all eyes on are him.

Snoozles™

I have two Snoozles for you today, both a bit dark, though not a total loss. First up is a scan from April 1972, with what appears to be an "off the hip" shot of a Horse Drawn Streetcar. Am I crazy, or are there NO HORSES? That's a first. Were they standing nearby enjoying cigarettes? Guests are patiently waiting inside the streetcar, but four of them are going to have to get out and pull. It's not so much fun now, is it, chumps??

It's exactly one year later (down to the second), on April 1973, and we have a "too dark" photo of the Columbia as it glides mysteriously around the Rivers of America. "Mysteriously" because there are no sails - they're not even furled, they're just gone. Hey, there is a theme today! Maybe the horses took the sails?