The Wild Kingdom Train - Houston

At first glance I thought that was simply some home made gas powered engine, but a closer look made me realize that's a real live steam crown under all the circus paint... At least she's freshly painted.

Houston is Actually a "HE," but I won't tell him. The Red, Blue, and Gold Paint is supposed to be "Patriotic." I just think it's Gaudy!

> Houston is Actually a "HE," but I won't tell him.

OK, well I guess there is a precedent for that, what with Thomas and his friends. However, I always think of steam locos as "She", as do most folks who've worked around them.

After studying the photo a bit more, I realized that the paint was only part of what looks odd. The two things that make it look home built are the red wrapper on the smokebox (insulation to keep people from getting burnt maybe?) and most of all the small buffers on the pilot. They look too small, and that kind of makes the whole thing odd.

^ It's an "African" Styled Train that was Built for and Operated at Busch Gardens Houston 1971-1973.