Ahhh, the train. Where to start.....
The train starting operating in late 1973, but officially in early 1974. There were problems from the start. The track was laid incorrectly. The soft Florida soil requires more than what had been done. This lead to several derailments. The engines, although adorable, were too small for the 3 plus mile loop around the campgrounds. The engineer HAD to fill her with water on EVERY trip or the train could literally run out of steam, a very dangerous situation. The water tower was located at what is now the Outpost Bus Depot. That little house just behind the depot is all that is left. (Although, I think you will see the old water tower show up at the new Meadows Pool as part of the slide). Also many of the engineers weren't properly trained in running a real steam engine. The whistle could be heard 3 miles away and since the train started running at 7 am, many campers complained about the noise. I personally loved it!!! Lastly, the train zigged zagged thru the campgrounds running very close to the roads, going right in front of the Meadows Trading Post and right by several sites. Some folks tried to beat the train and this too made for a dangerous situation. A child was hurt right by one of the crossing gates in the late 70's, a minor injury, but close enough to tragedy that it was the final straw for an awesome icon.
For those of us lucky enough to have riden the Fort Wilderness Railroad, it was incredible. Riding through the woods in the fresh air with that whistle blowing, nothing like it. There's so many of us that TRULY MISS THE TRAIN.
I'm doing some research on the train right now and will post what I have found in a couple of weeks. Some very interesting stuff.
My nicest memory was being on the Ferry boat headed back to the parking area that evening and watching the fireworks going off in the Magic Kingdom. I knew I'd be back.
