Miniature TrainThe Nat Park Train in 1955 Photo courtesy of Mark Blumhagen This Miniature Train, manufactured by the Miniature Train Mfg. Co. of Rensselaer, IN, was added to the park in 1952. The ride had 2000 feet of 12 pound rail and featured a train station and a tunnel, as well as several miniature train crossing signals. Its route wound back and forth through a narrow course, with tracks so close together that they shared ties between the rails for two different directions.
James Ellison
James Ellison drives the golden spike into the Nat Park Railroad May 10, 1952 Photo courtesy of Patrick Blake Its dedication on May 10, 1952 was attended by Carol Haas (Spokane's 1952 Lilac Queen), some officials from the Union Pacific Railroad and other dignitaries from the area. A golden spike was driven exactly 83 years from the date that the original golden spike was driven in Promontory, Utah by James Ellison, who worked for the Union Pacific railroad for 65 years! Lloyd Vogel served as the driver for this opening celebration.
Lloyd Vogel drives the train Front: Carol Haas and James Ellison Photo courtesy of Patrick Blake
Nat Park's Miniature Train engine These pictures were taken during 2005, when the engine was on display at the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum. The train had a top speed of 12mph, which is the equivalent of 60 scale mph, and had vaccuum brakes on every wheel. The train was in service until the park closed in 1967. It's now owned by a private collecter, and has been restored to match its original appearance.
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