MERRY CHRISTMAS!

It's Christmas time in Hillsdale!

The last-minute shopping rush is on! Shoppers look for deals during a sidewalk sale downtown. 70% off!

A close-up of the newly-added hopper car. Originally during the mid-50's through mid-60's, these cars were built by Pullman-Standard, marketed as 'PS-2's, and used for a variety of cargoes; including cement, fertilizer, lime, feed and other dense lading. Most were retired in the 80's/90's, some survive in company service to this day.

A close-up of the newly-added boxcar. Another product of Pullman-Standard, this is the famous 40' PS-1 post-war boxcar design that dominated freight car fleets during the 50's, 60's, and into the 70's.

And here it is being off-loaded -right into the eagerly ready arms of local kids! Working with Hillsdale House and the Salvation Army, the local AP&WRR workers help to give presents to needy area children every year during the holidays. This year, a local news crew is on hand to record the joy on the kids' faces!

As the kids line up for Santa, the bus driver heads back to the bus, to get ready for the trip back.

Brad looks on as Santa rolls out on the front of the train. The rational behind the train's symbol, DEC25, should be obvious!

Another look at the second engine, Athearn-painted GP40X 2007. The GP40X was an experimental engine built by EMD in the late 80's, which tested both a new engine and a new wheelslip control system (for improved traction on the rails). This unit was purchased from the Union Pacific, which accounts for its unusual HT-B trucks. It was given this paint scheme in 2007 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of famous model railroad manufacturer Athearn's start-up by its equally famous founder "Uncle Irv" Athearn. Given that so many people associate model trains with Christmas, pulling the Christmas train with a locomotive painted for a well-known manufacturer is almost a no-brainer!

The sign says it all.