Roy E. Disney to Rededicate His Father’s Steam Engine At Walt Disney World

Roy E. Disney to Rededicate His Father’s Steam Engine At Walt Disney World

By Michael Broggie, Founding Chairman

Orlando--After a complete mechanical and exterior restoration, the Roy O. Disney steam locomotive will be rededicated in a special public ceremony at the Main Street USA Train Station on June 6 at 10 am in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

Named in honor of the co-founder of The Walt Disney Company, the engine represents the only object in any Disney theme park to carry Roy O. Disney’s name. His son, Roy E. Disney, who is vice chairman of The Walt Disney Company, will participate in the ceremony. Also participating are Michael Campbell and Darrell Holmquist, members of the Board of Governors of the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society. The membership organization is dedicated to preserving Disney’s railroad legacy. Michael Campbell is coordinating the event with representatives of WDW and will officiate.

WDW RR Engine No. 4 was originally built in 1916 by Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia and was purchased by the Mexican government for use in the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula. It was purchased in 1969 by Roger Broggie along with three other vintage Baldwin steam locomotives for Walt Disney World and shipped by rail to Steinbrenner’s shipyards in Tampa, Florida. There, George Britton and a staff of five completely rebuild the engines and constructed twenty passenger cars under the direction of Broggie, Bob Harpur and Earl Vilmer. The railroad was the first attraction completed for the new theme park and this engine went into service December 1, 1971, two months after the park opened.

This is the first complete restoration for the Roy O. Disney, which followed Engine No. 1, Walter E. Disney, and No.2, Lilly Belle. No. 3, Roger E. Broggie, is the next and last engine to be restored. The restorations are under the direction of George Britton, who has spent the last 34 years as the only steam railroad facilities foreman to ever work at Walt Disney World Resort.

According to Michael Campbell, the Society encourages all its members -- especially those living on the east coast-- to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event..

--Posted May 30, 2002
Source: Carolwood Pacific Historical Society