Oakland Zoo Train 1988 (old Aerotrain style) - AI upscaled re-edit

[@amyfournier4309]

This train was build by my great-grandfather! Thank you for posting the video!

[@chrislovessia]

Are you talking about Ray? He was an incredible guy. Don't know how long he lived, but he was still actively building trains in his 90's. A great guy, and could tell wonderful, entertaining stories. I was honored to know him.

[@henrybidar8065]

Hi, could you tell me more about this? I sell ride tickets at the zoo and am interested in the history of the train. Could I possibly email you a couple questions?

[@chrislovessia]

@@henrybidar8065 Just checking to see which one of us you were asking.

[@henrybidar8065]

@@chrislovessia either!

[@chrislovessia]

@@henrybidar8065 If you can give me your email, I will be glad to answer any of your questions, and give you some zoo history. Is it true that they got rid of all of the rides except for the train and skyride?

[@hardrock5494]

Great video! By the time I first went to the zoo as a kid (ca 1994/1995), the current steam loco train had already replaced this, but after finding out about this train I gotta say it looks really cool.

[@jreichel1]

Thanks! I think the whole operation is kept up a little nicer now, but I love the charm of the Aerotrain.

[@nathanlopez5935]

There is a video from 1992 it's still there there used to be a roller coaster there too that no longer exist in the very back

[@jreichel1]

Here are some of the comments from the 2013 version of this: Chris Lovessia said "Just saw this video for the first time. I was in the maintenance dept at the time this was taken. The "Streamliner" was built by Ray Maker, and was powered by an aluminum block Oldsmobile V8, but was later converted to a 4 cyl Perkins diesel. Notice the shroud that should be below the front "bumper" is missing. This was because the train had recently been in a head-on collision with the 2nd train" ... "You're welcome. The train was eventually sold to a guy who had a large ranch, and wanted to run it on his property for his own pleasure. Thanks for the videos." ... "Also, a fun fact - one of our train "engineers" was a young Mark Curry who went on to become a stand up comic with numerous tv specials as well as starring in the sitcom "Hangin' with Mr Cooper"

[@jreichel1]

Oaklandlatinosunited said "Man this video takes me back to my childhood I grew up in East Oakland I remember riding this train many times at the Zoo. I remember going to the Zoo just to ride the train back in the 80's when I was a kid the sights and sound sure take me back."

[@jreichel1]

kdubb81 said "This was my favorite train when I was a kid! It was fast and felt so cool to be in!"

[@KCTopDawg]

Wow

[@jreichel1]

The new train is a lot nicer looking -- a simulated steam loco with old fashioned excursion cars -- but this train was special to me.

[@featherriverrailfan1758]

@@jreichel1 It's fancier looking , anyway. But this one was cool.

[@willberestartingthischanne9984]

Nice Video

[@willberestartingthischanne9984]

Is This Aerotrain Still Here At The Oakland Zoo?

[@jreichel1]

No, a private owner bought the train. I don't know what's going on with it now. There's a steam-type train now, with excursion cars -- pretty nice!

[@jackvarrella981]

Remember riding that train when I was a kid and with my daughter

[@jreichel1]

It was definitely one of the first trains I rode! Then in 1988 I had the idea that "Hey, I wonder if they still have that same old train! I should get a video of it." Glad I did.

[@Kayyleeeeee]

Do you have any footage of the old Childrens zoo

[@jreichel1]

Unfortunately, not. I'd like to see it myself -- many happy memories there.