Magic Mountain's "99 Steam Train" last day Part 1

This video was made on the rides last day of operation.
The Magic Mountain 99 Steam Train narrow gauge railroad was one the parks original rides and was installed in 1971. The track was about a 1/2 mile long loop that took riders to the town of Trollywood where the Magic Mountain Trolls lived. It also passed the parks Animal Farm. The train would pass animals in cages as well as chickens running free around the track.

The ride closed on October 12th of 1980.

I was an engineer on this train in 1978 and 1980. It was a great experience, and fun operating a real steam locomotive. Everyone who operated this engine loved it for its technical challenge and historical tribute to American Railroading.

The video is hosted by Train Engineer Foreman Lee Britton and Maintenance Mechanic Ron Kimura. They both loved this train and were very sad to see it go.

It was built by the Crown Metal Products Company of Wyano Pennsylvania. They Built live steam reproductions of classic 4-4-0 designs between 1960 and 1989 for use by amusement parks. Most were patterned after 19th century American designs.

After sitting in the Magic Mountain bone yard for over 20 years, and rusting away, the owner of a dog kennel in Santa Clarita, was able to acquire the entire railroad with engine and coaches. He restored the engine, and the engine now rests on display at the
Calgrove Kennels
24314 The Old Road
Santa Clarita, CA.

There is no track to operate this engine, but it has been restored, and ready to run!

About this recording...
I recorded this using my portable 3/4 inch JVC U-Matic video tape machine, and Panasonic single tube color camera. Remember, this video was made just a year or so after home VHS portables came out, and it was rare to see anyone with a portable video tape camera and recorder at the time.

Information about the 99 Steam Train.....
Wheels: 4-4-0
Builder: Crown Metal Products
Build Date: 1971
Construction No.: 99
Empty Weight: 28,000
Boiler Pressure: 185
Fuel: Propane
Gauge: 24"

Engineers:
Lee Britton
Jim Duff
Jim Hernan
Jim Jaramillo
Ron Kimura
Ed Kurtz
Bob Meza
Adrian Powell
John West
Mike Woods

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Magic Mountain
• 99 steam train
• steam train
• live steam
• six flags
• narrow gauge
• trains

[bobz299]

Yes, there was another train ride in the park called "The Grand Centennial Railroad Excursion" Train on the West side of the park from 1975 - 1985. There were two trains.

The train engines, track and cars were removed from the Monolith cement factory in Tehapachi California and rebuilt at Magic Mountain. I do not know of any film or video footage, but bet there is some out there somewhere.

[jsikora92371]

it was removed to make room for Colossus

thanks for the video..

[bobz299]

@jsikora92371 The 99 Steam Train was not closed down to make room for Colossus. Colossus opened in 1978, and the Steam Train closed 2 years later in 1980. I was the operator on the 99 Steam Train while Colossus was in operation. Colossus was not close to the 99 Steam Train at all.

[97trainman]

why did they stop using the railroad?

[bobz299]

@97trainman Shut the ride down because of low attendance and high maintenance . Was located near the "kids section" of the park tucked away in a corner, and hard to find.

[bfs1888]

very interesting, glad it was saved

[northstar2007]

If you liked the crown our Railroad (youtube veteransrailroad) has a operating Crown on Coal Fire.

[thomasholleman]

This is incredible footage. a remarkable piece of history gone but not forgotten. was'nt there another railroad attraction in operation and is there footage of that as well?

[barronzm]

Crown metals trains last forever.