A train ride in an amusement park, or a municipal park setting, is a small ride consisting of a miniature train, often running on a permanent or portable track, but sometimes without any track whatsoever. In the latter case, the "trains" are simulated by connecting railroad-like cars behind an ordinary, or modified motor vehicle. This type of ride is often conducted as a sightseeing tour of the surroundings.
If the ride is on tracks, and especially if the service is provided by a non-commercial hobbyist club, or a private backyard railroad, the train can be an exact scale model, often with a live steam locomotive.
Commercial "kiddie rides" often use simple but colorful equipment, with the driving mechanism hidden under vacuum formed plastic covers.
Some train rides (e.g. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad) resemble roller coasters, and may not be available to children under a certain age or a minimum height.
Famous quotes containing the words train and/or ride:
“Bodhidharma sailing the Yangtze on a reed
Lenin in a sealed train through Germany
Hsuan Tsang, crossing the Pamirs
Joseph, Crazy Horse, living the last free
starving high-country winter of their tribes.
Surrender into freedom revolt into slavery—”
—Gary Snyder (b. 1930)
“Unfortunately, I am involved in a freedom ride protesting the loss of the minority rights belonging to the few remaining earthbound stars. All we demanded was our right to twinkle.”
—Marilyn Monroe (1926–1962)