Re: Life before Walt Disney

Former Disney artist Tom Yorke is correct. Disney did acquire UdeY #52 2-6-0 (Pittsburgh c/n 2372-1902) that was on a pedistal in front of the Merida Depot. However, this engine was never rebuilt at Tampa Shipbuilding. It must have been the frame and "parts" noted in a previous posting on a Disney backlot in Los Angeles.
The four locomotives that were rebuilt were Walt Disney World: #1 4-6-0 "Walter E. Disney" (former UdeY #73, 275); #2 2-6-0 "Lilly Belle" (former UdeY #76, 260); #3 4-6-0 "Roger Broggie" (former UdeY #72, 274); #4 4-4-0 "Roy O. Disney" (former UdeY #66, 251). The UdeY renumbered their locos in 1963. When I visited Merida in 1960s these engines were still in service and had all been converted to burn oil. I too would like an answer to John West's question about how these narrow gauge locomotives were able to switch standard gauge cars. I did photograph a standard gauge 2-6-0 #11 that had recently been converted from link and pins to Janney couplers.In 1965 we rented a special train pulled by #260. The all day trip to Ancaceh cost about $85 US dollars.