The Virginia Rail Express Operation Lifesaver "Santa Train"  

15 December 2001

by Dave Freshwater

Our really warm weather finally started to break on December 15th, just in time for VRE’s annual Santa Train. VRE runs the train to benefit Operation Lifesaver. So, Bill Baldwin, Bill Rutherford, Jeff Peck, Jeff’s son, Christian, and I headed out to Burke to act as Santa’s elves for the day. 

VRE also provided a “Toys for Tots” drop off at the Burke station. So, when we arrived, we worked the crowd control and helped direct everyone with toys to the USMC Lance Corporal who was on hand. As the train consist rolled by early to clear the block, then head back to load our first group, we found out VRE’s surprise for all the railfans. The consist was 5 bi-level cars that VRE has leased from the Sounder fleet that runs between Seattle and Portland, along with its own engine, now numbered VRE 41. Rumor is that VRE 41 had not yet done a revenue run, that the consist’s first commuter passengers would head to DC on Monday. 

VRE arranged for Santa to be there and set aside the middle car in the consist to serve as “North Pole South.” VRE employees served as replacement elves, since the others were caught in the last minute toy building rush at the North Pole. The train consist was well stocked with candy canes and Operation Lifesaver materials – which is where our NVNTRAK OLI presenters came in. 

We took two loads from Burke to Manassas and back, with about 500 people on each train. Santa got off the first train to let all the kids have a last chance to provide their wish lists. Unfortunately, his elves forgot where Santa was and he got left on the platform for a while. But, when the train returned for the second run, Santa was able to go back to his private car. The second train actually had more folks on it. Santa had to stand in the doorway to great everyone on that train because he hadn’t been able to get to everyone’s seat. 

The Santa trains and the Easter Bunny trains on VRE are always great fun. I know that we had some members out railfanning our trip this time. If you get the chance in the spring, join us along the line or on the train. Everyone has a blast.

Click on the thumbnail pictures to see full-sized versions. 

Pictures by Dave Freshwater and Bill Rutherford...