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Disneyland Paris Locomotive

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by gwalkeriow, Jun 7, 2013.

  1. gwalkeriow

    gwalkeriow Well-Known Member

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    It was a real steam engine when I went but that was about 20yrs ago!.
     
  2. spindizzy

    spindizzy Member

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    We're off to DLP and I was wondering if the locomotive that runs around the Park is a real steam locomotive or just a diesel in disguise?
     
  3. Nvincer

    Nvincer New Member

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    All of the Paris locomotives are real steam locomotives. The only DIsneyland Railroad to feature steam outline is the one in Hong Kong.

    Have a great time.

    Ben
     
  4. kscanes

    kscanes Resident of Nat Pres

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    Qty 3 by Hugh Phillips Engineering, Gwent, in 1991, plus one by Severn Lamb / Winson Engineering in 1993.
     
  5. Seraphim

    Seraphim New Member

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    There are apparently four in Paris, all 440s. They are indeed steam, but fuelled by LPG/propane. Last weekend, we saw nos. 2,3 & 4. Photography is a little challenging. Best spot, by far, is from the top of the castle in the centre of Alice's Curious Labyrinth. Other places are in the queue for It's a Small World, on the bridge by The Old Mill, and the station area in Frontierland. There is also a horse drawn tram, which only seems to operate first thing in the morning. Slightly OT, there are various narrow gauge wagons in the vicinity of Big Thunder Mine, an apparently genuine American traction engine nearby, and a portable boiler. Good hunting.
     
  6. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

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    Wasn't Disney Corps lamentably dilatory payment one of the reasons that HPE went bust?
     
  7. worldsteam

    worldsteam Member

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    Must have been 23 or 24, even 25 years ago just before Disney opened, they had a big stand at the World Travel Market in London (this is a huge trade fair for the travel trade). At the time I was writing in Steam Railway (or whatever title was called then) and my own WS, so I introduced myself to the Disney reps, pointing out the great interest in the British steam locos and the potential for much publicity for Disney.

    What happened next was not what I expected. A number of very smartly suited gentlemen suddenly appeared and eyeballed me. They pointed out the locos were NOT being built in Wales, but were magic creations from the fire dragon (or some such carefully scripted statement). Any attempt to publish anything different would see law suits against me, my publisher etc that would completely destroy us. They then dispersed and refused to talk or acknowledge I existed. It was one of the most uncomfortable experiences I ever had as a railway journalist.

    Cannot remember what I did write, if anything. Possibly the minimal facts that were in the public domain. It is interesting how not very much ever gets written about the locos to this day - or I haven't seen much.

    Ever since then I have carefully avoided anything to do with the Disney Corp.

    David
     
  8. Devonbelle

    Devonbelle New Member

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    I saw three of the locos when we visited a year ago. Some of the footplate crews were keen, as when they saw me filming they opened the drain cocks, opened the engine up toots on the whistle. Usually very little smoke however.
     
  9. ssk2400

    ssk2400 New Member

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    whilst on holiday in eurodisney I couldn't help noticing the steam railway , are these genuine steam locomotives are they oil or gas fired, are they controlled the same way as a conventional loco ?
    also around one of the ride in frontier land the appeared to be a traction engine and variouse steam stationery engines used to create the appearance of a old mine ?, again are these old original engines or just props ?? any one any ideas ???
     
  10. Seraphim

    Seraphim New Member

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    The steam locos are, I believe, propane gas fired. Hence the slight odd smell. The Traction Engine in Frontier Land is genuine. There is a portable engine, which I have no details on, so cannot say either way.
     
  11. Charles Parry

    Charles Parry Member

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    Yep, real steam, same as Disneyland and Disneyworld. I think the Japanese Disney uses steam outline diesels.
     
  12. Nexuas

    Nexuas Well-Known Member

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  13. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

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  14. Nvincer

    Nvincer New Member

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    Japan's are real steam, but the line only has one station unlike the others. The Hong Kong Disneyland line has S/O locos by Severn Lamb (I believe) which have correctly syn prized chuffs etc.
     
  15. narrowgauge

    narrowgauge New Member

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    Steam Railway has only ever been called Steam Railway.
     
  16. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

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    Only in polite company :D
     
    Devonbelle, paulhitch and ragl like this.
  17. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    And it was also refreshing to see female engineers on the footplate including driving them around the park when I was there. Not always a walk in the park though as the locos appear to be fairly lightweight and so it doesn't take much for them to pick up their wheels especially with a full train and that's most of the time!
     
    Last edited: Oct 2, 2014
  18. siquelme

    siquelme Well-Known Member

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    I did a quick look at George Washington one of the locomotives that run at Disneyland. Got to admit I was surprised to discover it was built in Britain, the link can be found here.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severn_Lamb
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2014
  19. Nvincer

    Nvincer New Member

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    George Washington was built in Wales, I believe, as one of the original three locos for Euro Disney. 'Eureka' followed a few years later from Severn Lamb.
     
  20. Devonbelle

    Devonbelle New Member

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    I meant to add, as to fuel - I've got it in mind the Paris park locos run on bio fuel - with fuel from the Disney kitchens, hence there was a smell of French fries when locos passed us! Can anyone confirm otherwise?
     

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