Re: Ok Polar Express

Although I have never seen any other Polar Express than the one here at the DSNGRR, it is hard for me to imagine a better ride anywhere. This is our third year of it.
We start out with the kids (and adults) all held in the depot until the train is ready. The doors to the platform open and everyone pours out, but there is no train in sight. Then, the train whistle is heard, faintly, as off in the distance. Slowly the locomotive pulls out from behind the carshop, coming around the track into view, shrouded in a cloud of steam.
"Chefs" pile off of the cars, which are decorated with Christmas lights and other decorations. There are two chefs for each of the 9 or so cars. With delight, everyone finds their car and piles in. Snow surrounds the train as it pulls out of the yards on its way to the North Pole. On the way, the blast of the steam whistle penetrates the night and the passengers in cars at the crossings are treated to a rare sight
On the north edge of Durango, the train goes through a tunnel of lights and comes into the North Pole. Santa and his elves are there, waving from a snowy knoll. They come down to greet the train and walk alongside it until they board, just behind the locomotive (which is either a K-28 or 36, depending on what was used on the Cascade Express run that day). As soon as Santa is on, the loco cuts off and the train heads back to Durango, now pulled by a diesel. (There is no way to simply back a train through all the road crossings.) Chefs are handing out hot chocolate and eats, while singing carols and making a congo line snaking through the train. Also, the "chefs" work up the kids, so that as Santa opens each car door, he is greeted by a steady chant of "Santa, Santa, Santa." Santa is now going through the cars, handing out silver reindeer bells to all who "truly believe" and having his photo taken by wildly enthusiastic parents and assorted relatives. (We actually use two Santas, one was hidden at the North Pole and gets on the other end of the train. Both work toward the concession car, which is in the middle.)
By the time we get back to Durango, Santa has gotten through the train. The kids have spilled hot chocolate all over the aisles, there are Rice Krispie squares strewn about. But all have a great time, as Santa and his elves are spirited over to the concession building, invisible.
The train pulls around behind the carshop, there to hide until the next trip.
Santa and his elves wait in the concession building until the next train has left. Then they are driven to the North Pole, to greet the next train and repeat the whole routine.
It is great fun. I've been Santa a number of times and enjoyed everyone. We currently are running three trains a night. The last gets back to Durango about 9, but the kids are not tired. Santa is.
I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Bill Ramaley