Rating : 4 star. Rio Grande Southern in Buena Park , 23-Mar-2004
Reviewer: Steve Hedke from Valencia, CA.
The Calico & Ghost Town is unique in many ways. The ride is short, not scenic, and certainly not very exciting (but that may change soon). Unlike the Disneyland Railroad down the street, this one is all vintage equipment, including the quaint ex-Pacific Electric depot.````The attraction is best known for it's two steam locomotives, both Colorado narrow gauge veterans, and a real Galloping Goose. Walter Knott purchased the locomotives and rolling stock after the RGS closed, and moved it to his acerage as an attraction for his old west ghost town. ````The history of the Knott family is fascinating, predating Disneyland just down the road. The original boysenberry stand spawned an entire amusement park, one feature at a time. This also included battery powered San Francisco Cable Cars shuttling guests from the parking lot to the park entrance, and authentic stagecoaches; not recreations, but restorations.````The Calico & Ghost Town is nice for any railfan, but a must see for the Colorado narrow gauge buff. It doesn't hurt that there are plenty of distractions for the rest of the family as well. ````What it lacks in mileage and scenery it more than makes up for in quality. The shop crews are sensitive to the historical accuracy of the equipment, and unlike years past where the locomotives sported fake stacks and colorful paint, they are now in original D&RGW and RGS liveries. Access is limited to the loading area, but you can get right up and talk to the crews. There is a western diorama the trains pass through for excellent,if limited photos. The shops can be seen from the train, which has both closed coaches and open freight cars.````The Galloping Goose is used on off peak periods, the rest of the time it's steam. In fact, it's not easy to catch the Goose in operation, but you can contact the park for operational info.````I give it 4 stars because the rolling stock on the C> has been in service longer than it was on the original RGS! The real deal is always better than make believe, regardless of the length of the ride.````

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