Michael Broggie

Memorable Character

MICHAEL BROGGIE - Disney Railroad Historian.

Michael Broggie’s father, Roger, was Disney’s first Imagineer and has been honored as one of the original Disney Legends. He was hired as a precision machinist in 1939 to install the studio’s revolutionary multiplane camera and to work with Ub Iwerks on developing special animation effects. In his four decade career with Disney Studios, Roger oversaw the development of the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad, the Disneyland Monorail, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Omnimover ride system, and the iconic audio animatronic Abraham Lincoln figure. He was also primarily responsible for the construction of Walt’s Carolwood Pacific Lilly Belle one-eighth scale steam locomotive and backyard railroad, the forerunner of all Disney park railroads. 

Roger Broggie’s son Michael grew up during the period when his father was deeply involved in the creation of Disneyland, giving him wide access to the park and an “open door” to Walt. Michael was in the cab with Walt of the C.K. Holliday on the locomotives inaugural run. He worked at Disneyland during his college years as an operator on Autopia and Mine Train rides, and after graduation joined the studio’s motion picture marketing department as a publicity writer. Micheal is the author of a range of history books, biographies ,and Disney related titles. Michael and his brother Roger Broggie, Jr, were on hand in 2003 for the rededication of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom  Railroad locomotive Number 3 named for their father.

Our paths have crossed with Michael on various occasions at Disney Imagineering, Club 33 and Disney Animation Library in the early 2000’s as members of the Carolwood Society and Carolwood Foundation. Co-founded by Michael and his wife Sharon, the organization was formed to celebrate The Carolwood Pacific, Walt’s backyard railroad, the evolution of Disney trains and preserve Walt Disney’s Railroad Heritage. The Carolwood Society restored and operates “Walt’s Barn” in Griffith Park, his railroad workshop moved from the family home. As the author of the epic Walt Disney’s Railroad Story, Michael became a spokesperson for Garden Railroading, the “Worlds Greatest Hobby”, and has delivered presentations on the topic to eager audiences throughout the country.    -Bill  7/23