The weather this winter has been relatively warm and dry so far, but things are not always that easy. Here are a couple of shots of the 2008 version of the Santa trains, taken at McEwen Yards as the train was preparing to make the first run. The temperature was six degrees below zero F.
Moving out to the main line. At this point some of the brakes were still frozen. During the steam-up the fire went out once, but otherwise No. 19 did just fine.
Waiting at McEwen for the passengers, yes there were some, and to unstick a few triple valves. Note the smoke coming from the car stove, and that it has had little effect on the snow and ice covering the uninsulated car.
Crossing Huckleberry Loop Road on the way to Sumpter. That's Jerry in the firemans seat, and he reported that was the coldest he has ever been in a locomotive cab. A couple of openings in the floor direct an icy blast right up your pant legs. He was wishing for the No. 3, which does not have an insulated backhead.