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Christmas Trains

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Ed Lecuyer:
MODERATORS NOTE:
Christmas Trains has been converted from the pre-July 2008 WW&F Discussion Forum.
Some formatting may have been removed or modified from the original postings that appear quoted in this topic.
Information contained within this post may be superseded by more recent postings and conversations.
gordon cook wrote:

--- Quote ---I was perusing the latest Trains mag, and there was a lovely picture of the SP 4449 all dressed up in white lights.
Which gave me an idea: How about we dress up the train a little more this year for the Victorian Christmas?
Authentic decorations might be evergreen garlands and wreaths for #10 and the coaches.
More exciting for the little ones (and some adults, I'm sure) would be lots of the little white light strings outlining both #10 and the caboose.

And maybe a real Xmas tree set up with decorations on top of the water tank platform? Or Santa and sleigh flying over the tracks?

I'd be willing to take on the responsibility of some of the above if there is interest.
Gordon C
--- End quote ---

Stephen Hussar replied:

--- Quote ---Yes, there is definitely something about a steam locomotive at Christmas time...

Don't think Chris Fussell will mind us oogling over his beautiful shot taken inside the Brooklyn roundhouse...

--- End quote ---

James Patten replied:

--- Quote ---I think the "Victorian" aspect of Victorian Christmas tends to be overlooked among the volunteer body, as it seems not very many people have much of an idea about what a victorian Christmas would look like.

If we can find period-appropriate decorations I'm certain everybody would enjoy them.
--- End quote ---

Dave Olszewski replied:

--- Quote ---How many people come there every year? I thought there are lot of people come there because of free xmas trip. It will be great if we have night xmas trip. I can't wait to see it. When will they print new flyer about xmas trip? Did you send Holloween Evening trip flyer to Wiscasset Community Center? I work there every Wednesday night. I did not pay attended to message boards there.

Dave

--- Quote ---I think the "Victorian" aspect of Victorian Christmas tends to be overlooked among the volunteer body, as it seems not very many people have much of an idea about what a victorian Christmas would look like.

If we can find period-appropriate decorations I'm certain everybody would enjoy them.
--- End quote ---

--- End quote ---

gordon cook replied:

--- Quote ---Good Idea, James. If we could dress up a little more appropriately for the time period, that would be fun. I know Ric S. does his bit.
Top hats and ties for the engine crew, anyone? Bustles for the train crew?
I don't think we have official 'night' trains, but since it gets dark around 4 the last run or two is in twilight.

By the way, those Google ads here on the BB site are scary, I just noticed that they are all for holiday decorations. Surprised that they don't have my shoe size, too!

By the way #2, the website is still announcing the track weekend.  
--- End quote ---

James Patten replied:

--- Quote ---Heh.  The forum ads get interesting.  Take this one:


--- Quote ---Steam locomotive
Find Local Steam locomotive from More Than 17 Million Listings!
Travel.ThinkLocal.com
--- End quote ---

Wow.  17 million steam locomotive listings!  Cool!!!
--- End quote ---

gordon cook replied:

--- Quote ---I just saw an ad for a massage school!???!
--- End quote ---

Mike Fox replied:

--- Quote ---Gordon,
We tried the Christmas tree idea atop the water tower platform last year. We had a nice LARGE tree all planned to go up and Fred was going to get it there but it was too large for him. I think a fake tree would work up there. I think it would go up easier. But then to decorate it. And with lights. AQ lot of extension cords would be needed. But I think it would look great. Now if we could just put in a request for some snow.......perhaps on that day even. A nice light snow. Just to coat the tree limbs and the ground. Perfect. Steve, get your camera ready.
Mike
--- End quote ---

Stephen Hussar replied:

--- Quote ---
--- Quote ---We tried the Christmas tree idea atop the water tower platform last year. We had a nice LARGE tree all planned to go up and Fred was going to get it there but it was too large for him. I think a fake tree would work up there.
Mike
--- End quote ---
Yeah, but Leon hadn't planted the gin pole yet. With that thing rigged up you could get a nice 60 foot tall Norfolk Island Spruce up there!  
--- End quote ---

Mike Fox replied:

--- Quote ---Well, hadn't thought of that. Have to try again. Test it out on a tree.
Mike
--- End quote ---

Josh Botting replied:

--- Quote ---Has anyone considered a rain date, so that we won't have a wash out as in friday on Halloween?
--- End quote ---

James Patten replied:

--- Quote ---There is no rain date.  It's a free event which is a thank-you to the community, so if nobody shows up we probably lose less money than if lots of people show up.
--- End quote ---

Shack replied:

--- Quote ---I don't care if it is christmas, I catch anyone riding without a ticket they're off the train!!!
--- End quote ---

Steve Zuppa replied:

--- Quote ---You grumpy b******. Can't you let it go for one day out of the year? Would it be so bad if the community rode your precious train for free? Time to investigate a heart transplant.
signed,
Steve, Two-ties,Uncle Steve, Capt.Jack, Van Cleef (& Arpels)
--- End quote ---

gordon cook replied:

--- Quote ---So, after some discussions with  several people at the museum, I thought I would buy three wreaths for #10: one on each side of the cab and one around the number plate on the smokebox. I might put a few lights around  too, if I get the time. I can run them off a car battery for the couple of hours they'd be visible later in the day.
That should dress up #10 nicely for the day.
How about one of those blow up things for the water tank platform? They would be easy to set up and they have lights inside. Too Tacky?
Like this one:


or maybe:

--- End quote ---

James Patten replied:

--- Quote ---On the news last night was a piece about a Christmas event at Fort Western here in Augusta.  They're open one Sunday a month and this month they celebrated a Victorian Christmas, with the time period right around the Civil War.

I wonder if they would know what circa-1900 Christmases were like?  They might be able to help us with more appropriate ideas.
--- End quote ---

John McNamara replied:

--- Quote ---Gee Gordon, a Victorian Homer Simpson.  
--- End quote ---

gordon cook replied:

--- Quote ---Sorry, but I couldn't find a blow-up Ebenezer Scrooge.
--- End quote ---

Dave Buczkowski replied:

--- Quote ---Duh'o! The thought of Homer operating a steam locomotive like he runs a nuclear plant sends shivers up my spine. I like James' idea about contacting Fort Western. (And what is Fort Western?)
Dave
--- End quote ---

James Patten replied:

--- Quote ---Fort Western is a fort on the eastern bank of the Kennebec River in Augusta, almost underneath and definitely in the shadow of the high Memorial Bridge.

I think it was a French & Indian War fort, and may have been manned up through the Revolution.  It was turned into a private home after the Civil War and stayed as a home until some time in the 20th century, after which is was turned into a museum.
--- End quote ---

Mike Fox replied:

--- Quote ---Hey. I have one of these.

Mike
--- End quote ---

Mike Fox replied:

--- Quote ---Or maybe something more elaborate?? Click this:
http://www.christmasdonebright.com/lighted-displays/santas-motors/4-car-train
Mike
--- End quote ---

gordon cook replied:

--- Quote ---Hey, I like the Santa on a train. Is that a 4-2-Santa?
The candy strips on the stack would look great on #10 don't you think?
James gets to tell Jason about them.

So, having had a little fun, I think the tree is a more traditional scene, although I'm not sure whether they were popular in 1900.
Anyway, I'm back to the tree idea.
Any takers on getting a tree? Is there one on the right of way we can use?
Gordon
--- End quote ---

Josh Botting replied:

--- Quote ---Mike,

That is just wrong, (and Gordon as well), do I need to bring my pellet gun, just incase??
--- End quote ---

Mike Fox replied:

--- Quote ---Guess I'll leave it at home. Don't want any holes in it. Shoot Homer.
Mike
--- End quote ---

Mike Fox replied:

--- Quote ---Hey Shack,
I caught you giving someone a motivational speech behind the railpile at our last track work weekend. With Christmas approaching, I respectfully request you leave your motivational tools at home. See attached photo of you in action.




Name withheld for fear of same treatment
--- End quote ---

BM1455 replied:

--- Quote ---OK guys, on the serious side....I think we forgot about getting a Santa again this year so I asked some one here in Boothbay Harbor to do it for us.  ( He has done it before and is a prety funny guy who is good with kids so I think he will be good).  He has to check to see if he can do it that day but he seemed interrested.  If he can do it, we need a large Santa Suite!!!  The old one from Boothabay was "discusting" acording to Jason.  Any one have one that would fit a reasonably big guy?  If not, we will need to rent one.
Eric.
--- End quote ---

James Patten replied:

--- Quote ---I thought we had somebody lined up last year who had his own suit and everything?  We asked him too late last year to do it but he was willing for future years.  What happened to him?
--- End quote ---

BM1455 replied:

--- Quote ---Hi all.
I do not know anything about the other Santa....who is it and did we wait too long again???
--- End quote ---

James Patten replied:

--- Quote ---I don't know who it is.  Actually, Eric, I thought you were the one who knew about him.
--- End quote ---

BM1455 replied:

--- Quote ---Not sure who you mean unless it was our neighbor across from Clarissa's house.  Last I knew he was luke warm to the idea.  They guy I asked will let me know ASAP and if he can't do it we will need to ask the guy in Sheepscot.
Eric.
--- End quote ---

Allan Fisher replied:

--- Quote ---We do not have a Santa lined up for Victorian Christmas other than Eric's friend.

The fellow that said he would do it after being busy last year has never answered any of my phone messages.
--- End quote ---

James Patten replied:

--- Quote ---Ah, well then I guess we need to say Yes to Eric's friend.

If you need a suit picked up from the Augusta area I am available to do it.
--- End quote ---

Joe Fox replied:

--- Quote ---I hope we get some snow for the Victorian Christmas trains. Is there any snow down along the coast yet?

Joe
--- End quote ---

BM1455 replied:

--- Quote ---OK,   The person I was trying to get for Santa can't be there that day as he has to work....any one know a good Santa?
Eric Larsen
--- End quote ---

James Patten replied:

--- Quote ---Sue Longo reports we HAVE a Santa Suit.  Upstairs in the shop building.

Good luck finding it.

Now all we need is a warm body to fill it.  Does it have to be a warm body?  Maybe we could bring the Boris Karloff statue down and put the Santa suit on him?
--- End quote ---

Joe Fox replied:

--- Quote ---I think the kids would like it more if it were a real Santa. Do you think Trask would do it again? I hear he made a great Santa last year. I would do it, but I can't be down there until around 2. Talk to you guys later.

Joe
--- End quote ---

John McNamara replied:

--- Quote ---My understanding is that Mike Trask was not too enthused about being Santa, and only did it under duress, as we were desparate. Also, I've heard that there was some concern up at Alna Center, when he was resting between runs and chatting with adults within earshot of the kiddies, that his conversation was a bit too adult for young ears.
--- End quote ---

Stephen Hussar replied:

--- Quote ---It's only the 16th..how busy can the real Santa be? I'll give him a call tomorrow on my cell.
--- End quote ---

Joe Fox replied:

--- Quote ---Oh. If I could make it down to the museum first thing in the morning, I would be more than glad to do it, but I am not sure if I can make it in the morning yet or not.

Joe
--- End quote ---

Dave Olszewski replied:

--- Quote ---Hi Everyone,
I just checked forecast. It looks like it will be 46 temp high and 34 temp low on Dec 16th. It looks like it may be no snow on ground there. I wish to have Victorian  Xmas train trip  yesterday. I took a photo of Alna Center with snow there. See at Nerail Photo.

Will they still cut tree there on Dec 16th? Or we just work on train and at depot?

Talk to you later.

Dave
--- End quote ---

Josh Botting replied:

--- Quote ---As a show of local support, if any of you have cruised up toward Head tide, you may have noted that the octagon house has a steam train in lights on their front lawn.....
--- End quote ---

Joe Fox replied:

--- Quote ---Oh, is that the place before you get to the Alna General Store on 218? I will be sure that me and dad check that out next weekend.

Joe
--- End quote ---

Mike Fox replied:

--- Quote ---Joe and I saw a nice Homemade train display in Sabattus last night on the way home. Gave me an Idea. Now I need some rod and more lights (wife is going to kill me) and make my own.
Mike
--- End quote ---

Allan Fisher replied:

--- Quote ---The Octagon House is owned by WW&F Life Members Owen and Laura Colomb, who donated the WW&F ROW that they owned to the Museum. They continue to be great supporters of the Museum.
--- End quote ---

Steve Zuppa replied:

--- Quote ---What's the current situation at the crossing in AC? Last year, Steve A parked the trailer in the field across the tracks. When that was all graded out this summer, they ditched the north side of the road west of the crossing. Would that preclude using the field? Just want to make sure I let them know ahead of time
Steve
_________________
"Keep to the code!"
Capt. Jack Sparrow
--- End quote ---

Duncan Mackiewicz replied:

--- Quote ---I've never been a Santa before but if all else fails and one is needed I could give it a whirl.  Barb and I plan to be at the museum on Saturday.  I have no other duties assigned to me at this time.
Duncan
--- End quote ---

Josh Botting replied:

--- Quote ---Just because I am fat like Santa doesn't mean that I am......
--- End quote ---

Steve Zuppa replied:

--- Quote ---Not to worry,boys.
The Santa issue is taken care of.
Steve
_________________
"Keep to the code!"
Capt. Jack Sparrow
--- End quote ---

Joe Fox replied:

--- Quote ---That's good to know Steve. I will be at the museum all day tomorrow, hopefully.

Joe
--- End quote ---

Dave Olszewski replied:

--- Quote ---
--- Quote ---So, after some discussions with  several people at the museum, I thought I would buy three wreaths for #10: one on each side of the cab and one around the number plate on the smokebox. I might put a few lights around  too, if I get the time. I can run them off a car battery for the couple of hours they'd be visible later in the day.
That should dress up #10 nicely for the day.
How about one of those blow up things for the water tank platform? They would be easy to set up and they have lights inside. Too Tacky?
Like this one:


or maybe:
/i]
--- End quote ---

Bring Mickey Mouse and Goofy there from Disney and put Mickey Mouse's ears on water tank. Ha, ha, ha.  

Dave
--- End quote ---

Mike Fox replied:

--- Quote ---Gordon,
Not sure if you had anything to do with the placement of the wreaths today but they looked great on #10. And the lights too.
Mike
--- End quote ---

James Patten replied:

--- Quote ---At least Gordon didn't bring the blow up Homer  
--- End quote ---

Joe Fox replied:

--- Quote ---Yep,

I think Gordon did a great job with the locomotive. The lights looked great during the two night trains that were run.

Joe
--- End quote ---

Glenn Christensen replied:

--- Quote ---Hi Guys,

I'm dyin' to hear how Victorian Christmas went!

Was there good ridership?

Best Regards,
Glenn
--- End quote ---

Dave Olszewski replied:

--- Quote ---
--- Quote ---Hi Guys,

I'm dyin' to hear how Victorian Christmas went!

Was there good ridership?

Best Regards,
Glenn
--- End quote ---

Hi,

They were great yesterday.  We had alot of rideships there. I don't know how many passengers there. There was a santa there. He sat by xmas tree there at Sheepscot Depot. The last trip left at about 5:10PM. We did not have snow on ground there. I will post photos of them onto Nerail Photo either tonight or tomorrow.  

Dave
--- End quote ---

James Patten replied:

--- Quote ---Ridership was very good, a few trips seemed to be "sold out".
--- End quote ---

John McNamara replied:

--- Quote ---Glenn,

The number I heard was 546. One run had 133, including fifty-something in coach 3.

-John
--- End quote ---

Glenn Christensen replied:

--- Quote ---Thanks Guys!

Best Regards,
Glenn
--- End quote ---

Joe Fox replied:

--- Quote ---Wow,
That is great. I have noticed that most of the passengers that I talked to yesterday, about 50 to 100, all said that they only came for the Victorian Christmas. As I just emailed James and Jason, I think it would be great if we could keep it so that the trains stopped at Alna Center, and not go to the red flag, even if the end of track is at 218, and there is another run around there. That is so that if the one time a year passengers, or as Shack would call them, Bo's, then maybe they would come back again, and actually pay to ride the entire length of track.

Joe
--- End quote ---

Dave Olszewski replied:

--- Quote ---
--- Quote ---Glenn,

The number I heard was 546. One run had 133, including fifty-something in coach 3.

-John
--- End quote ---


Wow they have 546 passengers. Last week James P told me they would have about 100 to 200 passengers. I asked my friends to come there but none of them come there.

I just finished posting many photos into Nerail. See them at http://photos.nerail.org/show/?byrail:1:WW&F .

If they want to have longer trip that stop at end of track. They would charge them for it.

How come they have more passengers on Holloween Evening than Xmas train?  I thought that they would have more passengers on Xmas event because of free trips.  

Dave
--- End quote ---

Bill Reidy replied:

--- Quote ---Dave,

Thanks for posting the photos on nerail.  They're greatly appreciated.

Glad to hear things went very well yesterday.

Bill
--- End quote ---

Mike Fox replied:

--- Quote ---To all that participated in some way with Victorian Christmas,
THANK YOU. I came in the afternoon for a ride and saw some of you but not all. The rest of the family enjoyed it. And Dave O., Great shots. My battery was dead in mine so I got none for myself. So again, thanks to all.
Mike
--- End quote ---

petecosmob replied:

--- Quote ---I think it's safe enough for me to post these now...(j/k!)

Here's some shots of me 'n mine at the Victorian Christmass event

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2568622360077145988iFMNjq

--- End quote ---

petecosmob replied:

--- Quote ---here's some better ones...
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2452952110077145988lXZZtd


ok,...I'm sloooooowllly getting the hang of posting here, so forgive the random extra img or url whatevers, and I promise never to nitpick anyone elses!
Happy New Years all!
Cosmo & Co.
--- End quote ---

Mike Fox replied:

--- Quote ---Looks like you're getting the hang of the photo posting real well. Keep playing around and you'll get what you want eventually.
Mike
--- End quote ---

Dave Olszewski replied:

--- Quote ---Thanks for post photos here. I will join Webshots and post photos there.   Dave
--- End quote ---

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