PAYSON, Ariz. — Logan “Stan” Garner, rail enthusiast, actor, and supplier of railroad equipment to the entertainment industry, died May 20 in Arizona at the age of 83.
Born in Pasadena, Calif., Garner gained initial fame for being a co-founder in 1967 of Short Line Enterprises, where discarded railroad equipment, mostly from Hollywood movie studios, found a home. The company refurbished the locomotives and passenger and freight cars and made its reputation as an active supplier of its roster for movies, television, and commercial work.
Garner also became an actor, usually playing a conductor or train member, in a variety of movies including “Midnight Run;” “Back to the Future, Part III;” “City Slickers II;” a remake of “The Italian Job;” “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?” the remake of “True Grit;” “Flags of Our Fathers:” and “There Will Be Blood.”
Television work included the movie “War and Remembrance,” the Vietnam-era “China Beach,” “General Hospital,” “MacGyver,” “Quantum Leap,” and “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.”
Garner also owned a former four-axle Canadian Pacific horse car named Pony Express, which he would occasionally be able to tack onto the rear of regular passenger trains. Refitted as sort of a rolling train enthusiast’s dream, he could usually be found entertaining his onboard guests.
Garner is survived by a daughter, grandsons, a stepdaughter, and great-grandsons.
Memorial services will be held June 29 at Payson, Ariz. First Church of the Nazarene at 11 a.m., and on August 10 at the Altadena, Calif., Baptist Church at 4 p.m.
will the car pony express find a new owner ?
I worked with Stan during the start up of the Fillmore & Western Railway, which has been involved in many commercials, TV shows, and films. Stan was always a very positive individual and a pleasure to work with.