Harold Chance was born Richard H Chance in 1921 but went by Harold. He was drafted into the US Army in 1944 and was honorably discharged. Harold got into the world of miniature trains in 1946 by working for the Ottaway's and building 12 inch rail locomotives and passenger train sets. He eventually took over the company.
Harold incorporated Chance Manufacturing in 1961 and by the time he retired in 1985 he had turned the company into the largest builder of Amusement rides in the United States. Chance still operates today and produces a locomotive that is used in many parks around the country called the C. P. Huntington which is now powered by gas, diesel, propane and/or electricity.
Harold Chance died at the age of 88 years old on July 10, 2010. In the last few years of his life, I had the great fortune of being able to meet and get to know him and his son Richard "Dick" Chance, who now heads Chance Manufacturing, a bit and to operate his locomotives during the family Memorial Day get togethers.
The following are a few pictures I took of Harold Chance during a couple of events.
Harold Chance and his infamous Ottaway Locomotive Ledger book.
Harold on the far right, son Dick - 2nd from right and Jerry Ottaway - 3rd from right. Taken during the Ottaway Steam Reunion in 2009 at the C&H Railroad which occurred during Harold's 87th birthday.
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Harold Chance steaming up No. 1089. The last Ottaway to be built and the second 6 wheel locomotive, the first being 1042 which the family also owns.
Harold Chance at the throttle of 1089 on the track around Peppermint Park in Wichita Kansas.
This is Ottaway No. 3700 after Dick Chance finished off the restoration that his father Harold began on it alongside 1089. Harold Chance was able to buy 3700 back before he died after it had changed owners a number of times. It was in rough shape when he got it back after years of use. It is now beautifully restored as you can see.
Dick Chance on the left and Jerry Ottaway on the right after Dick's run around the track on 3700. It was operated that day in 2013 and I was lucky enough to be allowed to operate it as well. It was then taken to Chance Manufacturing to be put on display along with 1042.