The Miniature Trains of Crystal Beach

We believe the first miniature railway at Crystal Beach may have been a 15" gauge Cagney steam locomotive, 4-4-0 design. It is shown here with a light load.
(Niagara Falls Ontario Library)

One of the different miniature railways Crystal Beach had was this diesel outline train from the Miniature Train Company, and is about 18" gauge.
(APHAN Collection)

The final train the park had was this 1961 model from Chance Rides of Wichita Kansas. Powered by a Ford 4 Cylinder gas motor, the train hauled 4 coaches, and was equipped with air brakes. Chance Rides still makes the popular C.P. Huntington model, which is 24" gauge. The Crystal Beach train was originally number 13, which was the 13th one built. It was later renumbered 97. This ride was privatly owned, and was not part of the final auction.
(Photo by Ken Jones Sr.)

With a full load of passengers, the Crystal Beach train heads along the back part of the front loop towards the station.
(Photo by Ken Jones Sr.)

The train is about to depart the station with another full load of passengers.
(Photo by Ken Jones Sr.)

For many years, the CB Train ran along 1200ft of track at a private estate in Niagara Falls. The property owner eventually sold his house, and the train was sold to Puddicomb Farms in Jordan, Ont. To this day, you can still ride the Crystal Beach train.
(Photo by Ken Jones Jr.)