Leaving the O-Guage layout behind, on the way out the door to the zoo compound you pass the habitat for a family of three Meerkats that has been set up for several years now. While safe from predators and the elements, I think these guys would rather be free out in the wild from their expressions. Instinct never goes away as one stands guard atop a rock while looking out the window as the other two forage for food below.
The zoo train was passing by as we headed down the trail, and I snapped it coming out of the woods into the station area.
The Good Zoo train has two of the C.P. Huntington’s for its motive power roster, and this one has been modified at some point by removing the large single driver and replacing it with drive shafts to all four axles. Whether this was a factory kit or a local modification so as to pull longer trains, I have no idea. Any experienced guesses out there?
A few hundred feet further down the trail was the river otter habitat, and I was able to catch this one of four playfully swimming by the viewing window.
Further on a Red Wolf was resting lazily in the sun while its mate was in the rock den.
Nearby an Ocelot toured its habitat at a steady pace.
After a few minutes of this it took a break and yawned mightily, showing off all those whiskers.
A series of birds were next, starting with a pair of eagles intent on staring me down.
Next a Black Swan was taking a break from preening its feathers.
Finally a hawk looked like he sympathized with the Meerkats and would prefer to be free out hunting for unpatched SP and KCS locomotives.
The last in the series of animal shots was this turtle making probably an all day trip from one side of his compound to the other.
Before leaving we made the dog bone loop around the whole zoo on the train while our engineer rode side-saddle.
On the way out Judy took this picture of Lukas and I at the end of our morning adventures.
We had beat most of the heat and had a great time at the Good Zoo at Oglebay!
3 Comments
That looks like a stock Chance C.P. Huntington drive train, just the fake driver is gone.
That looks like a little C.P. Huntington shay! I like it!
It is a stock C.P. Hunington. The center driver is just an idler for looks. Note the trucks are EMD Bolmberg style. These were adapted to the steam engine when Harold Chance bought Miniture Trains Co. in the 60’s. MT built the 16″ guage F units that were so common at amusement parks. Looking to increase riders without laying new track, Chance used the F trucks and drive because they would fit the track and the CP’s 4-2-4 wheel arrangement. With larger cars and a bigger more powerful locomotive they increased capacity without relaying track. The old time steam train look was also appealing. Engine No. 1 (the number reflects quantity built,i.e. above is the 152nd unit) is still running in Wichita since 1964. BTW nice wildlife photos and it’s good to see Lukas, he seems to be having fun with dad.