> Were the steamers that once ran at
> Connecticut's Gillette Castle Cagneys?
> What's their status today?

No, they were actually built by William Gillette, in consultation with a local mechanic, using Stanley Steamer parts.

The locos were sold after Gillette's death in 1937 to Lake Compounce Amusement Park, in Bristol, Connecticut.

I heard a while ago that the locos were for sale and that there was some talk of returning them to the Castle grounds in Hadlyme. Haven't heard any news since.

That would be some homecoming!

The Castle and grounds are great and one of my favorite places to visit. But having followed the entire right-of-way, a full-throttle trip (Mr. Gillette was a notorious speeder) over the Seventh-Sister Shortline must have been a real "E" ticket ride.

Let's hope ...

Best Regards,
Glenn

christensenge@yahoo.com

> Yes, indeed we have a Cagney live steam
> engine running at the Zoo here in San
> Francisco. The Golden Gate Railroad Museum
> built a fun line with many curves and both a
> tunnel and bridge over the pond.

> The engine is different than most as it runs
> on LPG. An alternate fuel system that has a
> distinctive smell to say the least!

This is, indeed, a nifty operation. I had the opportunity to visit it during Railfair -- I played hooky from the Best Friend one day so I could hit San Francisco. I even got a cab ride on the Class E Cagney. It's a really great little machine.

The Parktrains Website
mconrad@compuzone.net