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'The Trains of Disney' at the Disney Gallery

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Published: November 18, 2011 at 11:25 AM
The Disney Gallery at Disneyland has opened a new exhibit, displaying some of the concept art for "The Trains of Disney."

Trains of Disney

The display includes not just art and mementos from the steam trains that circle the park, but from several of the other train-based attractions in Disney history.

Room

Want to take a ride in the VIP car on the Disneyland Railroad? You'll need one of these tickets to the Lilly Belle.

Lilly Belle tickets

Here's Disney Legend Bob Gurr's concept of the Viewliner train, powered by a Corvette engine, which ran in the park in 1957-8.

Viewliner

The park's first roller coaster was supposed to be Casey's Jr. Circus Train, but when a car tipped over during testing, that was the end of Casey Jr. as a thrill ride.

Casey Jr. Circus Train

Mine Train through Nature's Wonderland took guests around Frontierland, years before Thunder Mountain was built on its former site. Here's a view of the ride, from Marc Davis.

Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland

And here's Clem Hall's concept art of Thunder Mesa at Walt Disney World, including what became Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Thunder Mountain

Finally, it really did all start with the Disneyland Railroad. Here's a look at the Main Street Station at Disneyland Paris:

Disneyland Paris train station

Readers' Opinions

From Andy Guinigundo on November 18, 2011 at 12:12 PM
Wondered in there last Saturday. What a fabulous little collection of art, models, and the like. Check it out.
From Joshua Counsil on November 18, 2011 at 9:49 PM
I have to hand it to Disney when it comes to museums and the like. They really have a knack for displaying and presenting art. A fitting tribute to Walt's passion.
From Tim Hillman on November 19, 2011 at 6:59 AM
Great article, Robert!

To me, trains are part of the magic of Disney parks or any theme park for that matter. I know they are expensive to operate and maintain, but I can't think of any other sound that says "Welcome to Disney!" any more than the whistle of the train as it prepares to leave the Main Street Station.

From David Graham on November 21, 2011 at 9:46 AM
I just hope this comes to the East Coast to see display. I own a autographed copy of Walt Disney's Railroad Story and love the book.
From Bryan Fear on November 23, 2011 at 11:59 AM
Very cool. I wish I could see some of those pics in larger format but it's good enough to convey the point. I love that Walt Disney's interest in such things remains alive with those who plan exhibits of today.

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