Hello everybody!
I'm a bit of a train fanatic, and I have a lot of knowledge regarding some older engines, specifically 4-4-0 types. They're the type of locomotive that both the Connie Express and Iron Horse ride are designed after. We already know the Iron Horse was designed after North Pacific Coast Railroad #12, "Sonoma", as that was stated during a stream. However it was never clearly stated what the Connie Express was based on, and I think I'm ready to say I've solved the mystery.
Didn't take much at all, actually, from the moment I saw the locomotive I had a definitive answer as to what it was based on.
It is based on none other than Central Pacific Railroad #173, which is funnily enough, also originally named Sonoma!
Specifically, I believe it is based on Walt Disney's variation of the train, which he built in miniature form and called the "Lilly Belle".
This locomotive is what in turned inspired Disneyland Railroad's #1, "C.K. Holliday", as that locomotive was built to be a scaled up representation of the Lilly Belle.
I only wish that Frontier would release the concept art for the train, as that would be the definitive answer as to what it's based on.
Let me know what you all think of my train-sleuthing! I think Frontier did a wonderful job capturing the feel of the locomotive, I only wish it could have the same color scheme variety as the Iron Horse ride, as I prefer the Connie's actual design over the Iron Horse.
I'm a bit of a train fanatic, and I have a lot of knowledge regarding some older engines, specifically 4-4-0 types. They're the type of locomotive that both the Connie Express and Iron Horse ride are designed after. We already know the Iron Horse was designed after North Pacific Coast Railroad #12, "Sonoma", as that was stated during a stream. However it was never clearly stated what the Connie Express was based on, and I think I'm ready to say I've solved the mystery.
Didn't take much at all, actually, from the moment I saw the locomotive I had a definitive answer as to what it was based on.
It is based on none other than Central Pacific Railroad #173, which is funnily enough, also originally named Sonoma!
Specifically, I believe it is based on Walt Disney's variation of the train, which he built in miniature form and called the "Lilly Belle".
This locomotive is what in turned inspired Disneyland Railroad's #1, "C.K. Holliday", as that locomotive was built to be a scaled up representation of the Lilly Belle.
I only wish that Frontier would release the concept art for the train, as that would be the definitive answer as to what it's based on.
Let me know what you all think of my train-sleuthing! I think Frontier did a wonderful job capturing the feel of the locomotive, I only wish it could have the same color scheme variety as the Iron Horse ride, as I prefer the Connie's actual design over the Iron Horse.