I can't think of a better way to make the holidays happy than to take a train ride with Santa, and the elves, and presents, and so on. So that's what I did. First, here's what our train looks like:
Inside the diner, everything is set up for snacks and story telling:
Before visitors board the train, they can have their pictures taken on the front platform of this locomotive set up next to the loading area.
And our jolly crew looks like this: (L to R) An anonymous trainman, conductor Sam Polonetzky, trainmaster Paul Cronin, engineer Jamie Kolanowski.
And another, with Roger Kramer, Sam, Paul, Jamie, and assistant engineer Frank Nero. Operations went smoothly and efficiently.
Santa comes through the car to talk to all the good little boys and girls.
Mr. and Mrs. Santa and all the elves pose for a group portrait.
In the front car, we have a toy train constantly going around in a circle. It's a tribute to our Track Dept. and operators that it never falls off the track.
The lighted wreath on the front of the cab car.
This tree is at least 20' tall. Putting all those lights in place must have been a challenge.
Anyway, a good time was had by all. Everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves. We still need trainmen. And if you don't sign up, find some small children of your acquaintance to bring out to the Museum. You'll be glad you did.