Comments on: The Coolest Thing You’ll See Today

By: Gray

Gray — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:58:07 +0000

Fascinating! I had no idea they used to have a railroad there. Wish they still did.

By: George Taylor

George Taylor — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:16:09 +0000

Thanks for the link!

Once again, FANTASTIC article!!!

By: philphoggs

philphoggs — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:05:33 +0000

You bet on the size of the video cam… one thing for sure glad they did capture this. My dad was / is into trains, I say this because it gives me a hint that most likely a railroad enthusiast was the one responsible. That hobby has known all to well the brief nature of railroad operations, and someone thankfully laid out the cash to capture it. Oddly enough, the FWR was not the highlight of our time at Fort Wilderness, in his mind it was more of a toy.
I have to chuckle about someone operating Dumbo one day than going over to operate the FWR, no experience necessary. Very odd indeed, until further reading revealed the nature of the right of way, jeesh. That’s just it, conceived as live steam this sure was no toy, but early on someone must have decided it was just like a tram route. Also to add as a side note, I see the windows in the coaches’ drop down into a pocket. Someone was thinking well, as historically old coach windows drop down from the top causing injury. Wonder why enclosed windows at all? Hmmm, was someone thinking a longer extended “bus style” route even in the early stages?

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:52:38 +0000

Thanks guys – glad you enjoyed it!

In case anyone had trouble downloading or viewing the video from the tribute site, it’s on YouTube here. I never thought I’d seen video of this – someone must have really been pulling in the bucks to have a videocamera that long ago. I’ll bet it was the size of a Buick. Great picture quality, though…

By: Bruce

Bruce — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:24:45 +0000

I’ve been a big fan of the FWRR website–glad to see such a great tribute! I also never realized that the Wilderness Lodge was originally planned to have a train connection to FW. Thanks for the info!

By: philphoggs

philphoggs — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:44:07 +0000

Yet another reason why I check out and love this website, thanks for the great link and info. Wish I could add more but all I can say is great memories there at Fort Wilderness.