12/9: Pumped Up, Pt I

Al Lutz · 12-09-2008, 06:05 AM

Steve on the story of the Disneyland Railroad Handcar, Part One: Origins - Discuss it here...

DIRECT ARTICLE LINK: MiceAge.com - A different look at Disney...

vfire · 12-09-2008, 07:08 AM

Interesting start to a new series.

One thing I've wondered is if the view from the DL railroad has significantly changed since Walt's time in relation to how much of the park is actually visible from the passenger seats. Today, for much of the ride you really can't see too much of the park, and you even end up seeing a bit too much of backstage rather than the lands themselves as you pass by. For example, I wish the Adventureland section of the track had a better view.

DannyB · 12-09-2008, 07:29 AM

For eight years I lived next to a busy railroad track in a rural area north of Sacramento, and saw pickup trucks that could drive on the rails frequently. It's wonderful to hear how they are carrying on the work of the old handcars.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vfire

One thing I've wondered is if the view from the DL railroad has significantly changed since Walt's time in relation to how much of the park is actually visible from the passenger seats. Today, for much of the ride you really can't see too much of the park, and you even end up seeing a bit too much of backstage rather than the lands themselves as you pass by. For example, I wish the Adventureland section of the track had a better view.

It would be cool to see more of Adventureland from the railroad, and yet, I'm glad I can't see the railroad from the Jungle Cruise--that would take away from the experience of being in a "remote" jungle.

System Error · 12-09-2008, 08:09 AM

Hi Steve,

When I was a Steam Trains CM, I was there one of the rare times when the handcart was put onto the main line. I hope I'm not spoiling a Part II surprise for your readers, but when the handcart is used on the main line...

Spoiler

it's easier to run it backwards on the main line, counter-clockwise instead of clockwise. This is because it's much easier to descend the long grade along the Rivers of America rather than travel up it.

Steve DeGaetano · 12-09-2008, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vfire

One thing I've wondered is if the view from the DL railroad has significantly changed since Walt's time in relation to how much of the park is actually visible from the passenger seats. Today, for much of the ride you really can't see too much of the park, and you even end up seeing a bit too much of backstage rather than the lands themselves as you pass by. For example, I wish the Adventureland section of the track had a better view.

Well, the vegetation certainly has grown in. Without the trees in Adventureland Frontierland and even Tomorrowland, the view was certainly far more expansive.

Steve DeGaetano · 12-09-2008, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by System Error

Hi Steve,

When I was a Steam Trains CM, I was there one of the rare times when the handcart was put onto the main line. I hope I'm not spoiling a Part II surprise for your readers, but when the handcart is used on the main line...

No, you're not spoiling anything! I do discuss how the handcar has been used by CMs on rare occasions, and I quote a discription of one of those rides from a participant.

BassBone · 12-09-2008, 10:28 AM

I love the handcar. It has always added a sort of authenticity to the Disneyland Railroad. I always figured it was authentic and not a WED reproduction. I would love to see it zipping down the mainline someday.

Steve DeGaetano · 12-09-2008, 11:50 AM

Yes, it is indeed an authentic handcar, though as we will see later, it's not all original.

fo'c's'le swab · 12-09-2008, 08:46 PM

Great part 1, Steve. I'm getting drunk and pulling out the ol' Irish Banjo in anticipation of Part 2. Stand well back.

Tea · 12-10-2008, 12:35 AM

I've wondered about that handcar since we were sitting at the Main St Station for about 5min last year waiting to get the green light to continue. Can't wait for the rest of the story!

toemblem · 12-10-2008, 10:41 AM

I always wondered if the person in the front was in great danger of falling off and being struck by his/her own conveyance.

Steve DeGaetano · 12-10-2008, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toemblem

I always wondered if the person in the front was in great danger of falling off and being struck by his/her own conveyance.

In fact, that has happened before, and there is the possibility of being run over by the machine. It's helpful, then, to have the person(s) in front stand next to the "A" frame and face forward as well.

Yendorb · 12-11-2008, 12:24 PM

Good article Steve. Looking forward to the next instalment

Indiana Jeff · 12-15-2008, 05:37 PM

Thank you Steve for continually sharing about one of my favorite attractions...the DLRR. I love the handcar and have a beautiful 8X10 hanging in my house of Walt on his beloved gift.

Thank you so much!!!

12-09-2008, 06:05 AM	#1
Al Lutz Editor and MiceAge Columnist Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 505 Blog Entries: 1	12/9: Pumped Up, Pt I Steve on the story of the Disneyland Railroad Handcar, Part One: Origins - Discuss it here... DIRECT ARTICLE LINK: MiceAge.com - A different look at Disney... __________________ "Politics is the profession whereby the inevitable is made to seem a great human achievement" - Quentin Crisp

12-09-2008, 07:08 AM	#2
vfire The line's too long... Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Big Sandpit Posts: 1,143	Re: 12/9: Pumped Up, Pt I Interesting start to a new series. One thing I've wondered is if the view from the DL railroad has significantly changed since Walt's time in relation to how much of the park is actually visible from the passenger seats. Today, for much of the ride you really can't see too much of the park, and you even end up seeing a bit too much of backstage rather than the lands themselves as you pass by. For example, I wish the Adventureland section of the track had a better view.

12-09-2008, 08:09 AM	#4
System Error - Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Indoors Posts: 57	Re: 12/9: Pumped Up, Pt I Hi Steve, When I was a Steam Trains CM, I was there one of the rare times when the handcart was put onto the main line. I hope I'm not spoiling a Part II surprise for your readers, but when the handcart is used on the main line... Spoiler it's easier to run it backwards on the main line, counter-clockwise instead of clockwise. This is because it's much easier to descend the long grade along the Rivers of America rather than travel up it.

12-09-2008, 10:28 AM	#7
BassBone is too darn hot. Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: It's all about the LBC, yo! Posts: 13,990	Re: 12/9: Pumped Up, Pt I I love the handcar. It has always added a sort of authenticity to the Disneyland Railroad. I always figured it was authentic and not a WED reproduction. I would love to see it zipping down the mainline someday. __________________ The Right Honorable Count Boogie Bonz of Random, at your service. On Track for Weight Loss!

12-09-2008, 11:50 AM	#8
Steve DeGaetano Member MiceAge Columnist Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 3,952	Re: 12/9: Pumped Up, Pt I Yes, it is indeed an authentic handcar, though as we will see later, it's not all original. __________________ Steve My new book, From Plantation to Theme Park: The Story of Disneyland Railroad Locomotive No. 5, the Ward Kimball is now available! You can read more about the book and place your order here: www.steampassages.com

12-09-2008, 08:46 PM	#9
fo'c's'le swab Rollin' Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: A state of Incomplete Posts: 15,942	Re: 12/9: Pumped Up, Pt I Great part 1, Steve. I'm getting drunk and pulling out the ol' Irish Banjo in anticipation of Part 2. Stand well back.

12-10-2008, 12:35 AM	#10
Tea Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Vancouver Canada Posts: 213	Re: 12/9: Pumped Up, Pt I I've wondered about that handcar since we were sitting at the Main St Station for about 5min last year waiting to get the green light to continue. Can't wait for the rest of the story! __________________

12-10-2008, 10:41 AM	#11
toemblem > 150 DL Trips & 3 to 33 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 92	Re: 12/9: Pumped Up, Pt I I always wondered if the person in the front was in great danger of falling off and being struck by his/her own conveyance.

12-11-2008, 12:24 PM	#13
Yendorb Mousketeer Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 596	Re: 12/9: Pumped Up, Pt I Good article Steve. Looking forward to the next instalment __________________ VISIT my sketchblog: M54

12-15-2008, 05:37 PM	#14
Indiana Jeff Choosy Moms Choose Jeff Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 985	Re: 12/9: Pumped Up, Pt I Thank you Steve for continually sharing about one of my favorite attractions...the DLRR. I love the handcar and have a beautiful 8X10 hanging in my house of Walt on his beloved gift. Thank you so much!!!

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