Old Tucson Studios Railroad

Guide to Arizona's Miniature Railroads

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Old Tucson Studios Miniature Railroad

The Old Tucson Studios Miniature Railroad





The Old Tucson Studios Miniature Railroad in Tucson, Arizona

          Constructed in 1939 for the movie Arizona starring Jean Arthur and William Holden, Old Tucson Studios has been the site for more than 70 major motion pictures and television shows. Among the noteable films shot at "Hollywood in the Desert" were: Winchester '73, Gunfight at the OK Corral, Rio Bravo, Mclintock, El Dorado, Rio Lobo, The Outlaw Josie Wales, and Tombstone. High Chaparral and Little House on the Prarie were two of the more popular television series shot on the studio grounds.



Welcome to Old Tucson Studios

Welcome to Old Tucson Studios

Depot

C.P. Huntington Train Station




          Old Tucson studios opened it's doors to the public as a family fun park in January of 1960. The park continued to grow throughout the 60's, and in 1977 it debuted it's Silverlake Park section which houses a wild west carousel, antique car rides, Rio Bravo canoe adventure, C.P. Huntington miniature train and several other rides.



Mission

Mission seen in Tombstone, Three Amigos and many other films

Hotel

Grand Palace Hotel & Saloon




          As the C.P. Huntington 24" gauge railroad leaves Silverlake Park, a Chance Industries crossing signal near the studio entrance warns pedestrians to keep an eye out for the departing train. The 15 minute journey takes passengers across the Rio Lobo, then passes between the High Chaparral set and the Spanish Mission, before circling past the North end of town and out into the high desert terrain. The splendor of the old west captivates passengers as the train weaves it's way back towards town and the depot at Silverlake Park.



Crossing the Entrance

Crossing the studio entrance

Livery Stable

Passing the livery stable

Circling the studio

Heading towards the High Chapparal set

Towards the Station

Returning South towards the station



          The Old Tucson Studios Miniature Railroad has two C.P. Huntington Engines, each of which pulls a consist of three passenger cars. One is un-numbered and painted brown, the other (number 164) is painted red, dark blue, and light blue. Only one engine runs at any time and the other is kept in a storage yard awaiting it's turn to delight passengers.



Red Engine

2nd C.P. Huntington Engine

No. 164

Number 164 in the storage yard



          In addition to it's miniature train, Old Tucson Studios is home to a locomotive legend, the Reno. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1872, the Reno originally saw service on the Virginia and Truckee Railroad. By the time Metro-Goldwyn Mayer purchased the Reno in 1945, she had already starred in two films: Courage of the West and Cecil B. Demille's Union Pacific. Old Tucson Studios purchased the Reno in 1970 and her filmography now totals more than 100 films including How the West Was Won. Like any good actor she knows the show must go on. She refused to let the devastating fire that swept Old Tucson Studios in 1995 and destroyed nearly 40% of the buildings end her acting career. After significant cosmetic surgery she returned to the silver screen in the 1997 film Wild Wild West.



Reno 1997

The Reno in early 1997 following the devastating fire of '95

Reno 2002

The Reno cosmetically restored in 2002



          Old Tucson Studios offers several live shows including gunfights and stuntshows, guided tours, museums and exhibits, restaurants, shopping and several amusement rides in addition to providing an old west backdrop for film and television crews. For ticket prices, days and hours of operation visit the Old Tucson Studios website.






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