I was an engineer on ELI for a full season, got to drive it hundred's of times, it was good times. ELI does burn propane, but it is still a steam powered locomotive. It simply burns the propane to heat the water in the boiller. It also has a steam powered air compressor for the engine and coach brakes. ELI was built in 1972 by Crown Metal, as a brand new but still authentic steam engine. It has burned propane since the park opened in 1973.

More: With a full filling of propane it can run about 3 days, but it is filled every night. Water is filled about every 6-8 hours. The grade at WOF is what makes driving ELI sometimes a challenge, the turn around grade is about 2.5% (by prowler), forum road grade is about 2%. From what I have heard those are pretty significant grades for a steam engine, but I have been to omaha zoo which has an insane 7% grade.

That is the only steam engine that I have heard of that burns propane! Awesome!

My favorite part of the park. When ur feet are aching and the heat is getting to you jump on a water ride and hit the train :) Miss WOF so much!

that poor locomotive needs a time! she sounds three legged.

its a real steam locomotive, built by Crown Metal in the 1960s

@CSX6000 Yeah you'll find this only in Kansas City MO in Worlds Of Fun it's one fun train to catch. Thanx Adam

awesome man!

@UPDetector its a real steam locomotive it burns propane to heat the water to make the steam to power the locomotive its a crown just like the ones at bush gardens and six flags

@Railhead1956 Yep at least I got one train on my trip. Thanx Peter

Cool catch, Ryan! I hope this is not a stupid question, but is that locomotive really a steam engine, or is it just powered by a motor and the steam is fake, because it's looks real to me! I love that whistle!

@Southerntreatment Thanx Joseph

Neat!

@caseyjones134376 I know that. Like I said to Rudy it has 6 propane tanks located by the tender to run.

I can understand that, but this is propane powered so not really much of a steamer, but at least it's something.