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Credit: Inside The MagicA Walt Disney World Resort Magic Kingdom transportation service has finally returned after being refurbished for five years.
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Roger E. Broggie Locomotive Returns to Magic Kingdom After 60-Month Refurbishment
After undergoing extensive refurbishment for nearly five years, the Roger E. Broggie locomotive has returned to service at Magic Kingdom.
The Walt Disney World Railroad No. 3, a “Ten-Wheeler” type steam locomotive with a 4-6-0 configuration, was manufactured by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1925. Originally designated as Number 275, it served the United Railways of Yucatan before being acquired by Walt Disney World. Disney legend and Disney Imagineer Roger Broggie, Roger E. Broggie, assisted Walt in creating what we’ve all known as the Disney railroad experience at the Disney parks worldwide.
In June 2019, the locomotive underwent a comprehensive rebuilding process at the Strasburg Rail Road’s workshop. It was later reintegrated into the Walt Disney World fleet around September 2023. On February 21, 2024, No. 3 resumed its regular service at the park. Original Disney Imagineer Broggie had a hand in the current Walt Disney Railroad locomotives we ride and experience today, which happen to be a piece of Disney history. The Walt Disney Company has come a long way since the early days of Disneyland.
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More Information About the Legendary Imagineer
Renowned as Walt Disney’s original Imagineer, Roger Broggie was a mastermind in both mechanical and creative realms. From crafting steam locomotives to engineering singing and dancing robots, Broggie’s ingenuity knew no bounds. He embodied the core principles of Disney Imagineering, blending imaginative creativity with technical expertise.
Honored at the Disney Legends Awards on October 18, 1990, Broggie earned accolades from company Chairman Michael Eisner, who remarked, “Call Roger; he’ll know how to fix it.” His indispensable role in realizing Disneyland was recognized. Born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 1908, Broggie pursued vocational training in machine shop operations before relocating to Los Angeles. He honed his skills at various companies before joining Disney in 1939.
Broggie’s contributions were multifaceted at Disney. He played a pivotal role, from installing complex animation equipment to pioneering special effects with Ub Iwerks. He assisted Walt Disney in constructing miniature trains and installing backyard railroads before spearheading projects like the Disneyland Railroad and Matterhorn Bobsleds.
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Promoted to head the Studio Machine Shop in 1950, Broggie oversaw the development of groundbreaking attractions like the Monorail system and Matterhorn Bobsleds.
His expertise extended to film processes such as Circle-Vision 360, revolutionizing audience experiences. Broggie’s collaboration with Wathel Rogers led to the birth of Audio-Animatronics® technology, showcased in iconic attractions like Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
After over three decades of dedicated service, Broggie retired in 1975. His legacy lives on in the Roger E. Broggie steam engine, a tribute to his invaluable contributions to Disney’s innovative spirit.