Wondering What's Next….

The second day of the Adventures By Disney – Backstage Magic tour brought a special bit of magic to our group, something not guaranteed on every tour.  After leaving the Jim Henson Studios, our bus traveled to Griffith Park to visit a small model train yard located in the park.

On the face of it, this may not seem like a big deal. But for a student of Disney history this was a BIG DEAL, and here’s why…

We’ve all heard the stories of Walt’s many struggles as he created his empire. Walt was devoted to his vision, despite numerous business failures and a constant struggle for money, and tirelessly worked at his studios and expected the same from all of his employees. What is sometimes overlooked is one of the stories which many Disney historians believe may have influenced the birth of Disneyland….

Early in the 1940s the Disney Company was experiencing huge growth following the success of Snow White. Hundreds of animators, painters, and film craftsmen were working at the Disney studios during one of its most successful eras. Unfortunately, dissension was an undercurrent at the Studios, as Walt’s management style caused his longtime employees to chaff under his rule. Profit sharing, which many believed was promised to them with Snow White, failed to materialize. The unions began to gain ground at other studios, and turned their attention to the successful Disney studios. Early in 1941, union organizers and Disney management struggled to wrest control from each other’s grip, and the rancorous confrontations led to a 5 week strike and studio shutdown as negotiations broke down.

Eventually the strike was settled with the aid of a federal mediator. The strikers won on all counts, with Disney studios offering concession after concession to the workers. Walt Disney himself was out of the country at the time, attempting to let passions cool while on his South American trip. He returned to a very different studio, as emotions were raw and many animators left for other companies. Walt, disillusioned by what he considered communist infiltration, retreated from his obsessive work style, preferring to spend more and more time with his hobbies, including model railroading.

Walt had a model train set in a room next to his office and spent hours machining parts and building elaborate tracks. His interest grew deeper when Ollie Johnston and Ward Kimball displayed their more elaborate models. Walt soon threw himself whole-heartedly into the hobby, designing an elaborate backyard railroad at his Holmby Hills home.

Walt and the model trains:

As the railroad grew and expanded, the Disney’s often entertained guests who would show up on the weekend asking for a ride. He spent hours in his barn, puttering and brainstorming. It’s not hard to imagine that Walt developed the idea of Disneyland in that very barn, and nurtured the idea of the theme park as he watched the enjoyment of his guests. Visiting that train yard and walking amongst his tools and trains, it was easy for me to understand how much enjoyment Walt had from his hobby, and to feel just a little closer to him.

Walt’s train at the Carolwood Barn:

Walt’s work desk:

Tracks from the original train:

Walt working on his trains at his Holmby Hills home, train barn in the background:

Walt’s Barn today:

Walt and his daughters working on the train:

 Entertaining guests:

The Dis’ers had a great time at the railyard, which is manned by model train enthusiasts who volunteer on the weekends. We were lucky to have the volunteers open the yard especially for our group. A fellow adventurer, Dodie S. filmed this terrific video of the ride:

Our volunteer guide sharing stories:

All Aboard!

Outta my way! my turn to ride!

Another view:

Inside the barn. The barn is original, and was taken apart like a puzzle and rebuilt at Griffith Park

If you make it to Hollywood, consider making a stop in Griffith Park – definitely worth the time!