Portland's Polar Express

[Kevin Madore]

Folks,

I spent the Thursday afternoon up in Portland, watching the MNGRR folks operate their Polar Express trains.   With the trains running mostly at night and the large crowds of folks looking for a shot with their kids in front of the engine, it was tough to get clean pictures of the train, but I did manage at least one good one in front of the Portland International Marine Terminal, which was the base of operations for the event:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=384745&nseq=0

It was really nice to see Monson #4 back in operation, hauling 6 coaches and a caboose.  I haven't seen a 2-foot train of that length in some time.  It was also great to see the mix of younger and older volunteers working on the trains.  The MNGRR has lots of new talent in training.  Here's hoping that #4 will become a regular again on the Portland Waterfront next year!

/Kevin

[John McNamara]

Kevin, what a wonderful picture!!

I also agree with you that, "[It's] great to see the mix of younger and older volunteers working on the trains.  The MNGRR has lots of new talent in training."  I noticed this during my visit back in late October - there seems to be a lot of upbeat, youthful enthusiasm, even amongst those more than youthful in years.

-John