Disneyland Paris Locomotive

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

 

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?

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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 ???

 

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.

 

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

 

Hope this works as it is the first time I have tried to copy and paste across threads with tapatalk. This subject was covered before in 2013.

http://www.national-preservation.co...isneyland-Paris-Locomotive.66457/#post-578275

http://www.national-preservation.co...isneyland-Paris-Locomotive.66457/#post-578277

 

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.

 

Steam Railway has only ever been called Steam Railway.

 

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

 

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.

 

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?