If the picture is legit, it would be 1961+. There's only one way that a person could get that shot without being on a crane: from the monorail. The monorail didn't leave the berm and run to the hotel until 1961.

That would let out the chance of it being a Marsh test run. The Marsh came on line in 1959.

Do we know for sure that it wasnt' taken by a Disney photographer? They certainly would have had access to any number of devices that could have given them that perspective.

Just what I was thinking. Only the orginal loop of beamway inside tomorrowland exsisted at the time. I would love to ride on that train!

Daveland posted this today, and the date is Novemeber 1962
http://davelandblog.blogspot.com/

It could have been from the roof of a truck or van, too - I've pulled that trick a few times. But yes, if Daveland says it was taken in late 1962 the Monorail would be the logical vantage for that shot.

I had a feeling that was right around the time that PVC pressure piping and sewer/storm drain piping came into wider use - and Disney was usually on the leading edge of those things.

And that's coming from somebody who just Rootered out several hyooooge clumps of tree roots (three passes with a power-feed snake) from the 1950-ish vitrified clay tile main sewer line (again...) and is going to have to dig it up pretty soon and replace it with PVC to the curb-line.

--<< Bruce >>--

When did the monorail beam construction begin? I could have been taken when they were pouring the concrete pylons.

Pretty cool find Sam. Glad Dave posted the date and said it was taken from the monorail. I wonder if it was a test to see which cars loaded and unloaded easier. Its funny that WDW went with all excursion cars. Now there is no doubt as to the salmon colored rooves of the engines.

Was there ever?

I would think there would be some steam. I guess he caught the picture between chuffs.

They have some of the cleanest exhausts in railroading. At most you might see a minor haze when there is a change in the firing rate. On a cold (for SoCal) morning is about the only time when you'll see visable exhaust, and that's mostly water vapor.