Loyalhanna Limitin' - The Trains of Idlewild

Idlewild has had a miniature train ride of some sort going back to the 1930s. Originally, the ride was known as the Idlewild Express and was in a different location than it is now, in the region where Soak Zone is today, around Lake Bouquet. This original ride included a trestle and tunnel, as well as a skeleton-inhabited "Ghost Town." The ride ran for nearly 60 years before being removed in 1997.

However, by far the park's most well-known miniature train is its current one, the Loyalhanna Limited, which is named after the creek the park (and ride) sits parallel to. The ride, an idyllic journey through the park's wooded setting, is perhaps one of the country's most relaxing amusement park miniature train rides. Added in 1965, the train was initially operated through an agreement with Crown Metal Products. The original engine was a different steam-powered model, but the same coaches used in 1965 are the current set!

 The ride initially operated only on the side of the creek where Hootin' Holler is today, but two trestles were constructed the following year to bridge the ride to the other side of the creek. This was especially useful, as it now allowed the train to have a stop at Idlewild's new zoo, Frontier Safariland, the area of today's Raccoon Lagoon.

 In 1991, the original engine was replaced with a Chance Manufacturing model, #243, which is the train that runs today. The following year, Idlewild increased its train fleet with an additional C.P. Huntington engine, #192 and another set coaches.

The '92 green train and coaches

Around 2015, the additional coach set was retired. The green engine is no longer in use due to transmission issues, but it is hoped that it will come back in the future.


I snapped this mediocre picture of the two trains stored in the "barn" during the Ligonier Highland Games/

If you get a chance, check out author Jennifer Sopko's book about Idlewild - it's very comprehensive, and it's what I drew most of my facts from for this article.

The ride's original sign is currently on display at the Ligonier Valley Library for its annual Historic Photography Show. Incredible artwork!