This first picture is from 1960... I'm guessing that the sun is setting and not rising (which way is west?). Old number 41 (the "Red Cliff") looks magnifico! Who doesn't love an old train? If you could only look out of frame to the left, you would see the Calico Mine Train mountain under construction (though nearly finished). Which, in fact, our photographer took a picture of! You'll have to wait for that one though. Always leave them wanting more, that's what I say.
Now it's 1967, and we have a portrait of engine #40, the "Green River". One of the things that has always amazed me about Knott's trains is the way the track cuts right through the park. You could cross the tracks all the time. Wasn't that dangerous? I don't believe that Knott's ever had any sort of depot like Disneyland... let's hear it from the experts!
If only this was a stereo slide! Even in 2-D the train looks like it's going to leap off the computer screen. Get out of the way!
You're right about the setting sun. The photos basically look north, so west is on the left.
ReplyDeleteAs for the tracks running straight thru the park, well, these were dark and dangerous times in the 60's... people thought for themselves, controlled their children (sometimes with verbal admonishments, sometimes with physical correction), and lawyers starved in expensive suits.
A half century of progress has ensured that multi-lingual (and occasionally hieroglyphic) warnings will ALL be ignored; correcting a child is like sending an engraved invitation to Child Protective Services, and even now, Lawyers are preparing a class-action suit against the Berry Farm REQUIRING uniformed crossing guards to hold your hands while crossing the tracks.
Katella Gate
I love Knott's trains. They are much more Gritty than Disneylands. The #41 in your first pic looks like it really just came in from Denver! And these trains are HUGE! The trip around (thru) the park is ok however, since most of the landscape has changed so much (and not for the better). I am surprised the trains are still there.
ReplyDeleteP.s. I'm left wanting more..... it's working!
NIce! Let's see that construction shot!
ReplyDeleteThere weren't even the slightest barriers. The trains ran right across the asphalt with very little warning but the train' whistle.
ReplyDeleteI recall a conductor who walked in front of (to the side really) the train. My sister and I used to always put pennies on the track.
ReplyDeleteKnott's and Disneyland both run the same guage railroad - NARROW (3 ft 6 inches or less.)
ReplyDeleteOK... SO TO ME, THIS KNOTTS TRAIN LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE THE TRAIN AND STATION THAT IS IN A DISNEYLAND POST CARD. MAYBE YOU CAN EXPLAIN.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.disneylandpostcards.com/frltrain.jpg