Gillette, a famous actor known for his on-stage performance as Sherlock Holmes, had the 3.2-mile railroad built in 1930 at his estate at 67 River Road in East Haddam.

He passed away in 1937 and while Connecticut acquired the land and castle for the Gillette Castle State Park in 1943, they sold Gillette's train for $3,000 to the Norton family, then owners of Lake Compounce State Park.

In the 1980's, the Nortons sold the park and placed the trains in storage before giving them back to Connecticut in the 1990's.

A four-year $11 million project at the park resulted in a castle restoration, sprucing up the park's trails, and the creation of a new food concessions building and a visitor center with a restored locomotive car.

The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park, an all-volunteer organization, raised $10,000 as well as donations of time, talent, and materials, allowing the restoration of a black and polished brass engine locomotive.

At a ceremony held on Oct. 5, about forty visitors enjoyed the 85 degree day as the sun shined on the locomotive.....