Originally Posted By smd4 There is a very strong possibility that the genuine historic steam locomotives of the Walt Disney World Railroad will be phased out over the next couple years, to be replaced by "Diesel-hydraulic" locomotives like those used at DAK. Personally, this galls me. I wonder what others think?
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I hope that they don't go forward with that plan, though I certainly understand the argument from a maintenance/operations perspective. The steam trains have a lot of character that the diesel ones just don't match. In addition to the train at DAK, HKDL also uses diesel trains, which look a lot like the traditional steam locomotives just don't quite feel right It's a shame that the WDW railroad is more hidden than in DL, so you only see it in a couple specific spots in the park; perhaps if it were more visible it would be tougher to justify the switch. I hope that this is just a rumor and doesn't turn out to be true
Originally Posted By RoadTrip I love the steam locomotives... one time at WDW I spent a fair amount of time taking detailed photos of the locomotive after it pulled into Main Street Station. The engineer came over and asked if I was a railfan. I said I was, and also a model railroader. He smiled and said he could usually tell the folks that were, and gave me a patch commemorating the "Roger E. Broggie". It is my most treasured WDW souvenir. On the other hand, I could see the reasons behind making the change. Besides the added time and expense needed to maintain steam, there are far fewer people these days with the skills needed to maintain and operate them.
Originally Posted By smd4 >>"DIS"stressing news that "DIS"gusts me.<< Is it mentioned there as well? I didn't see anything, but I didn't search real hard either.
Originally Posted By smd4 I won't name my sources, but they are not CMs. The two sources I have are very high up on the food chain, one on the west coast, another in charge of one of Disney's global divisions. This is why this particular "rumor" has me substantially more worried that it may come to pass.
Originally Posted By Socrates There is a very strong possibility there will be a major earthquake in California. Socrates "The unexamined life is not worth living."
Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 I wouldn't be surprised if this happened at DL as well, especially with the crazy DOSH or CAL OSHA (I forget which agency) regulations Disneyland imposed on the DLRR. Switching to Diesel would maybe alleviate that, but it sure would make me sad.
Originally Posted By smd4 From what I hear, the trains at DL are "safe" because they have a direct connection to Walt Disney. There is hope that John Lasseter may have some influence on the final decision.
Originally Posted By schnebs From a financial and operations standpoint, I could totally see this happening. From the standpoint of a Disney fan and a hardcore railfan, I think even considering it's an abomination. If they ever do it, I hope Walt's ghost haunts the idiots who greenlight the project for the rest of their lives.
Originally Posted By smd4 >>From a financial and operations standpoint, I could totally see this happening.<< This is the main reason why this change is being considered.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan I know very little about trains. As just a casual observer Disney guest, can a rail fan explain what experience I would be missing if the steam trains are phased out? (Not asking this in an argumentative way, just interested in what this change would mean in terms of the overall experience of riding the train and seeing it go by.)
Originally Posted By smd4 Steam locomoives embody a quality that other machinery just can't quite seem to capture. They embody so many of your senses--the steam swirling from the stack, the bark of the "Chuffs," the reverberation of the whistle, the sweet smell of the exhaust and steam and oil all mixed together. If you've ever been aroound a steam locomotive, it almost seems as though they're alive. They need constant tending; they need to be fed and watered. If you've ever been next to one, they even "breath," with the soft panting from their air compressors. This simply can't compare to the diesel grumble of an internal-combustion engine that can be simply turned on and off with the turn of a key. There's just something romantic about a real steam locomotive. Romantic in the way that a sailing ship is more romantic then a jet ski boat; romantic in the way a Model T seems compared to a Dodge Neon. There's a reason toddlers today still call trains "choo-choos," even if trains don't make choo-choo sounds any more. trains--especially steam trains--are almost ingrained in our collective unconscience.
Originally Posted By Boardwalkbum <<Thanks smd4! That explains it pretty darn good.>> I'll say. Well done! It's also worth mentioning the central part that the railroads played in the development of the United States. Particularly with respect to the mid 19th century American frontier as well as the beginning of the 20th in towns throughout the country. Naturally, that makes it integral to the storytelling taking place in both Frontierland and Main St. USA. And, of course, there's the sound of the whistle so particular to steam engines of the era. The idea of replacing them could only be described as tragic.
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub Is this still a rumor? Hate that a simple rumor can be so upsetting. I don't know what upsets me more Is it the rumor or all the people on LP that seem resigned to accept the inevitable so nonchalantly? Heck increase the admission if it means keeping the steam trains. Make some t-shirts if it needs its own gift shop. Why should the steam trains suffer just to cover the magic band budget?
Originally Posted By smd4 Of course, technically it is a rumor, even though I'm hearing it from Disney executives. Until it's officially announced, anything could happen.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros Would they actually announce something like this? Or would it just show up on the tracks one day and everybody would figure it out? I know they made an announcement many years ago about removing prime rib from the buffet due to guest requests (supposedly it took up too much space on the plate), but this seems like something they might just try to slip in without official notice
Originally Posted By smd4 Well, I honestly don't know if it would be announced or just start happening. It's expected to happen over the course of a couple years. I understand Disney is expecting protests, but they expect them to last only a month or so. That does sound like it would spring from an announcement. It also sounds like they may have predicted the length of the protests pretty accurately, judging by some of the posts here.
