Knott's Train, October 1967
Choo-choo! Choo-choo! That's what I yell uncontrollably every time I see the trains at Knott's Berry Farm. I also jump up and down and point. It's kind of embarrassing, and might be a form of Tourette's. Fortunately, my friends and loved ones are used to it. But man, just look at that beautiful locomotive, is it any wonder that I get so worked up? I think the water tower is leaning slightly, or maybe it's just me.
Knott's needs to hire some Pinkertons, because the train gets robbed every time! You'll be sitting there, staring out the window as the world passes sloooooowly by (the Knott's train does go really slow), when you will be startled by a very loud BANG! BANG! These guys use blanks (ever since the Geneva Convention), but it still scares the pants off of everyone. Each day the robbers acquire huge piles of purses, wallets, and cell phones, prescription drugs, and watches, which really raises the day's receipts!
8 comments:
HA! I hope you weren't joking about yelling "Choo choo" at trains, because I totally do that. For reals.
The actors playing the train robbers went on to careers in the TSA doing airport security.
Love the interior shot of the rail car. I barely remember that view.
JG
I always love how the train -- this huge, wonderful locomotive -- crosses right in front of everyone on the walkway. It's one of those moments -- like the gold panning and live chickens in the parking lot -- that made Knott's so unforgettable.
Nice pics as usual, Major!
My experience has been that the robbery usually begins with a fee to park my car, followed by $5 bottled water and $65 sweatshirts. I'm broke by the time I get on the train!!
Bill in Denver
And now there's a fence protecting the train from getting hit or run over by people.
I agree with Rich T. I like how the Knotts train "fits" really well into the area. The fact that is looks "old" with dents in the boiler etc. makes it kind of cool.
Sometimes the spit and polish look of a DLRR train doesn't work and wouldn't work here (imho).
I also love the rare roll out of their Galoping Goose train. Look like a silver schoolbus on rails.
Melissa, I yell plenty of embarrassing things, and "choo choo" is just one of them!
JG, ha ha! Our friends at the TSA can't be mad because they know what you said is true.
Rich T, it IS amazing that the train passes right through an area where thousands of people walk every day. I've never heard of an accident or injury.
Bill, up to a point I accept that a visit to an amusement park is going to cost money, but $65 for a sweatshirt is no exaggeration. I was at Disneyland one very cold night, and decided to buy a sweatshirt, and I think the only one I liked was $65. I didn't buy it.
K. Martinez, that "cow catcher" can plow through a crowd like buttah!
Alonzo, I love the DLRR trains, but they are definitely more toylike, or perhaps like the ultimate backyard layout, whereas the Knott's trains are amazing beasts. If you do a search on my blog, you'll see one or two pix of the Galloping Goose!
Beautiful train as always...there just isnt much better. It must have been so fun to be able to get right next to it.
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