Natures Wonderland Railroad

[motorcarman]

I've really enjoyed the Nature's Wonderland postings in the the modeling disney railroads section. I've learned so much I would have never known. Being an east coaster I grew up going to Disneyworld regularly and I've only been to Disneyland once back in January of 91. I'd like to know from you experts a few more details if possible. Gauge? gas/electric powered? length of mainline? Whereabouts of any remaining equipment? Any other tidbits of interesting info you might know. Did any of you ever work there?

Thanks

Thomas

[S. Towler]

Track gauge was 30". They were battery-powered trains, with mancha locomotives hidden in the tender. The mainline was 2,307 feet long. As far as I know, there is no remaining equipment left other than the faux locomotive and two cars that were on display along the Rivers of America until recently.

Interesting tidbits? I don't know where to start, other than this map I made of where the remains of the attraction are today:



I never worked on the attraction, was born WAY too late to even experience it.

[Dave Van]

I'm not expert, didn't even stay at Holiday Inn......but rode the ride more times than I can remember, was my favorite until PoC.....and only after NWRR was gone.
NWRR and the Calico mine both held a special place for me. I loved trains from the day I was born and the 'adventure' these ride provided was more than a kid like me could imagine. Both were different adventures...and both had things I loved.....but NWRR being gone is more dear to me now. It was more 'show' than the lower tech Knott's ride and had a more varied story. I love NWRR so much if I ever became rich beyond my dreams I'd build my own NWRR!! If you listen to the NWRR spiel that is online somewhere...I still get chills when the Rainbow caverns part starts. That was true Disney magic at the time. I have not been to DL in a number of years...sometimes I want to go....but other times I think my memories are better.

[TFN5459]

I have been to Disneyland many times( too many to count), but sadly I'm in the same boat as Sam, i was just born too late to ride the attraction. I like Big Thunder Mountain, but I think that i would've enjoyed the NWRR more.

[motorcarman]

That's a great map. Thanks for posting it. That's some great info. Thanks to all!