On May 25, Wharton-Smith joined Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ CEO Richard E. Glover, community members, and sponsors to cut the ribbon on the miniature train, which carries guests on a loop around the property through the natural Florida landscape, across realistic crossings and into the depot near the Zoo’s entrance.
“It’s a completely different experience than walking around the Zoo. It’s a chance for people to get immersed in Florida’s natural habitat and be involved with nature,” Glover said.
The train, called The Champion, is a one-quarter scale model of a real Atlantic Coast Line Railroad streamliner. The real-life version of the train provided daily service from New York to Miami starting in 1939. Visitors can embark on eight-minute rides approximately every 30 minutes from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
The world’s first miniature streamliner train came to the Zoo in 2003. Over time, the attraction needed restoration. The engine and cars required too much work and were sold to a collector. A new custom-built miniature train was ordered in 2021. The Wharton-Smith Team has worked on the project oversight, track, railroad crossings, and train. They helped prepare and load the old train for shipping and then assisted in taking delivery of the new Champion.
“The miniature train has been a fixture at the Zoo since 2003. It was always a treat with every Zoo visit for myself and my children growing up,” said Tim Smith, President and CEO of Wharton-Smith. “We have been a committed and proud partner to our hometown Zoo for 37 years. It was our first gift from the Wharton-Smith Foundation. We could not be happier with our donation’s impact and having our name and brand on the train station. Many thanks to our team that partnered with the Central Florida Zoo to make improvements to this historic attraction. We are thrilled to be a part of its future.”
Special thanks go to the Wharton-Smith team members who contributed to the project.
