The Grizzly Flats Railroad (GFRR) was a 3-foot narrow-gauge heritage railroad owned by Disney animator Ward Kimball at his home in San Gabriel, California. The railroad had 900 feet (274.3 m) of track, and was operated from 1942 to 2006. It was the first full-size backyard railroad in the United States.
The GFRR yard with Ward Kimball in the foreground
The GFRR's Emma Nevada locomotive on display at the Orange Empire Railway Museum in 2003
The GFRR's Chloe locomotive on display at the Orange Empire Railway Museum in 2009
Ward Walrath Kimball was an American animator employed by Walt Disney Animation Studios. He was part of Walt Disney's main team of animators, known collectively as Disney's Nine Old Men. His films have been honored with two Academy Awards for Best Animated Short Film.
Kimball in 1976
Kimball drawing Pecos Bill from Melody Time
The Ward Kimball locomotive pulling into New Orleans Square Station in Disneyland
Kimball operating his model train in 1977