The Ghost Town and Calico Railroad: Rio Grande Steam Engine No. 340 at Knott's Berry Farm!

Climb aboard as we venture to Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park California, home to the Ghost Town and Calico Railroad! Built in 1952, the 5/8-mile long tourist line boasts a small but impressive roster of some historical railroad equipment, including engine #340. Built in 1881 by Baldwin, this locomotive was originally delivered to the Denver and Rio Grande as #400 and named "Green River". When the D&RG was reorganized as the Denver and Rio Grande Western in the 1920's, the loco was modernized and given its present number. During its 70 year career, #340 worked all over the narrow gauge line in Colorado and New Mexico, and even hauled the last train out of Pagosa Springs. #340 finished its working days out of Montrose as a switcher. Walter Knott saved the engine from scrap in 1951, and had it loaded on a flatcar for the trip to California. It first ran on the GT&C in 1952 and continues to haul thousands of guests around the park each year.

Also spotted are coaches #325 and #326 - These historic cars once served the Rio Grande's San Juan passenger train. The combination car "Chama" was once a parlor car and also used on the San Juan. The two open air cars #5576 and #9519 were once a stock car and a gondola car, respectively. Ironically the two cars have been modified over time to represent the opposite of what each other used to be, with #5576 now a gondola and #9519 a stock car! The caboose #0402 once ran on the fabled Rio Grande Southern railroad.

We catch the train in action both on board and track-side, witnessing scenes such as the engine taking water, and blowing down. The GT&C is a fantastic operation, and the crew are friendly and informative, as well as humorous!
Whether you're a railroad buff, theme park fan or just interested in riding, we highly recommend a visit. But be on your guard; you never know when a train robbery might occur!

Also just before I posted this video, my channel officially reached 100 subscribers! This is a big milestone and a goal achieved, and I must acknowledge the folks who have helped me get to this point. THANK YOU!

Filmed by The Train Tracker, July 14, 2023.

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