THE HOLIDAY TRAIN PT 2

 Last week, the annual Holiday Train pulled into Hillsdale...

Santa greets the children from Hillsdale House, and their caretakers. Hillsdale House provides shelter for at-risk children, many of whom are in foster care. Getting to meet Santa is a real treat for them!

And they will also get presents! One of Santa's helpers passes wrapped gifts to the men loading up the "Sleigh". At least it's red!

Meanwhile, the engines get refueled from a local tanker.

The truck has a trailer as well. Dale Williams supervises the refueling.

While the lead truck alone has enough fuel to fill both engines, having a second tanker makes the job both easier and faster, since both engines can be refueled at the same time.

Their stop completed, Extra DEC25 rolls out and continues its journey east to Cumberland, then onto Washington, D.C.

The gondola trees are lit up for the departure. While the trees are tall, they are still within clearance of bridges and tunnels. The total height of the car is still lower than either autoracks or double-stacks (I checked!).

Santa and his aide waive goodbye to the Hillsdale crew as they depart.

And may you have a Merry Christmas!