Knott's Berry Farm's Rio Grande Southern 41 Steam Train and Business Car Tour!

Join us at "America's First Theme Park", on the last weekend of the Boysenberry Festival for an enjoyable day with Rio Grande Southern #41! This historic C-19 class 2-8-0 was built in 1881 for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad as their #409. In 1916, the engine began its career on the fabled RGS and was given its current number. The engine faithfully toiled away on the 162-mile long line until firebox issues caused the railroad to set the engine aside late in 1950. In 1951 the engine was purchased by Walter Knott, who had planned for a tourist railroad to be built at his theme park in Buena Park, California. By January of the next year, the railroad had begun operations and 41 has been an iconic part of the Farm ever since. In this video, scenes of the engine range from close-up shots at the Ghost Town depot, to lineside and on-board action. Later, after the sun has set we experience some delightful nighttime action of the train, adding to the drama of steam.

We also received a very special surprise: a private tour of RGS business car B-20, named "Edna"! The car is just as old as 41, built in 1881 for the D&RG as their business car "A". Ten years later in 1891, it was sold to the brand new RGS, given the name "San Juan", and used by railroad president Otto Mears as his mobile office. Around 1921, the name was changed to "Edna", in honor of RGS president E.T. Jeffrey's daughter. The car features sleeping accommodations for six people, a parlor, and a fully functional kitchen, among other things. Special thanks to Knott's fireman Gio and his manager for this excellent tour.

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro, 41 at the Depot
2:56 Ghost Town Departure
4:28 Business Car Edna Tour
6:40 A Trip Around the Park with 41
15:45 Nighttime on the Railroad
21:00 Outro

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Filmed by The Train Tracker, May 11, 2024. All media is owned by The Train Tracker. Please do not use without my permission.