Michael Jackson' Narrow Gauge Railroad

Ed Kelley · **Posted:** Sun Nov 23, 2003 5:45 pm

In addition to his 2' Chance Rides CP Huntington train, Michael Jackson has a 3' gauge Crown Metal Products steam locomotive built for Carowinds in North Carolina. It was completely overhauled by Shop Services and given a new boiler, domes, and 11,000 dollars worth of gold leaf on the tender. You can take a ride on the Neverland Valley Railroad below. It is the only locomotive (I think) with automatic firing. It is propane fired.

The "Katherine" is one of my favorite steam engines.

-Ed Kelley

Video of MJ's train
gtngrr@aol.com

BrianF · **Posted:** Sun Nov 23, 2003 10:26 pm

Well... that may not be the most boring railfan video ever posted to a web site, but it certainly deserves a nomination! 14 minutes and 8 seconds of camcorder on a tripod pointed out the fireman's front facing window. The file is 27.8M and is in Real (rm) format.

Things to notice... the rail seems to be welded. I heard no joint noise and the ride was really smooth. The camera did not sway or roll at all. The (steam) exhaust had a kind of strange sounding cadence, as if it was missing an event. Outbound trip (first half) the train works a pretty steady grade to a balloon track. About the mid-point between the depot and balloon track, the train passes through what appears to be a shop building (has a spur going in one end that does not come out the other) and uses it as a tunnel.

I wonder if there is a satellite photo of this setup somewhere? There is an embankment on one side of the grade and I wonder if the line folds back on beside itself to create an illusion of distance?

One last thing... even after clicking on the English language version link, I don't have the slightest idea of what the web author was trying to say about M.J. or the occaision for his the visit to Neverland and train ride.

YMMV... (your mileage may vary)

brianf@yahoo.com

finderskeepers · **Posted:** Mon Nov 24, 2003 12:52 pm

Great, that's all we need is for people to find out that people who are completely insane like trains too.

ge13031 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 24, 2003 2:21 pm

> Great, that's all we need is for people to
> find out that people who are completely
> insane like trains too.

GEE! you don't have to be crazy to be in this business, but it sure helps!

The only question I have is the difference in the sound going and coming ... did they coast all the way back ??? By the way Greg, I don't think there is any competition there!

lamontdc@adelphia.net