This just in from the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society, via Jennifer Hendrickson:

[We are excited to announce that -- for the first time ever -- the Disneyland Railroad's Lilly Belle Presidential Coach will be coupled to the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad Combine! This historic event will take place at the Fullerton Railroad Days fair on May 5 and 6, 2012.

The Lilly Belle coach was originally known as the Grand Canyon when it was part of the "Retlaw 1" passenger train from 1955 to 1974. After Retlaw 1 was retired, the Grand Canyon was transformed (under Mrs. Disney's personal supervision) into a beautiful Victorian-style private car, Lilly Belle. Premiering in time for America's bicentennial, the first guests aboard the Lilly Belle were the Emperor and Empress of Japan! Usually only open to invited guests, the Lilly Belle is one of the most elegant attractions at Disneyland.

We've seen no evidence that the Combine and Grand Canyon were ever directly coupled together and certainly this did not happen once it was transformed into the Lilly Belle. This weekend presents a rare opportunity for the public to tour both the Combine and the Lilly Belle. Best of all, admission to the fair is free!

Cast members from the Disneyland Railroad will join volunteers from the Carolwood Foundation to guide visitors through both cars. To support the Combine Preservation Project, the Foundation is creating some custom collectibles to celebrate this historic event and these will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Foundation's booth near the Combine.

For more details about the fair, please visit http://www.scrpa.net/ We hope to see you at the Fullerton Railroad Days in May!]