My observations from the cab of #10:
The day was verrrry cold to start, single digits, but by mid-morning had warmed up into a very comfortable 20-something. The first run was taken by #52, as #10 wasn't quite ready. By 11 AM there was a crowd on the platform, and that was the norm until the last train at 4. With the large number of passengers, we switched to an 'extra' schedule instead of on the hour, by leaving as soon as #10 was serviced and passengers loaded. I believe we probably ran at least one extra train, if not two.
I understand on one run there were 99 people on the 2 coaches! #10 behaved well, as usual, using extra coal with the heavy coach loads and the cold bearings.
The sun was bright but low in the sky, and there were a number of photographers taking pictures all up and down the line.
Santa held court at Alna Center station, where a bonfire was built and the sleigh rides took folks around the fields. (I noted that there was backup power for the sleigh rides this year, in the form of an extra team of horses.) Members shepherded everyone safely on and off the train at both ends of the line and refreshments were provided in the form of hot cider and cocoa at Sheepscot Station.
There were many happy faces, both young and old with lots of thank you's as people left the platform. I think all of us regulars were very happily surprised at the number of people that came to have a simple and fun Maine Christmas experience.
