Kings Island 1972 – Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad

This authentic 1970s color photograph, captured in 1972, documents the Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad (K.I. & M.V. R.R.) during the inaugural season of Kings Island in Mason, Ohio. The archival image features the #12 steam locomotive, a 3-foot narrow gauge engine built by Crown Metal Products. The locomotive is finished in a vibrant blue livery with yellow pinstriping and red driving wheels, pulling a tender loaded with logs. In the background, a traditional wooden stave water tower used for replenishing the boiler stands beside the tracks. An engineer is visible in the cab, looking out toward the station platform. This railroad remains one of the most popular original attractions in the Rivertown section of the park, designed to transport guests through the scenic woods of the Ohio valley. While Kings Island is still standing and continues to operate this steam train today, the surrounding landscape and theme have evolved significantly since its 1972 debut. This factual record preserves the pristine, “brand new” appearance of the park’s transportation system during its very first year of operation. All our images are available as royalty-free instant downloads for use in books, media, and creative projects – or make your own prints for home, work, or as a truly unique gift.