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Santa's Helpers Putting Finishing Touches on Holiday Train
An unlikely assortment of elves -- electricians, carpenters and even a pharmacist --
are working feverishly to get a steam-powered Caltrain ready to roll down the
Peninsula on the weekend after Thanksgiving.
A train-decorating team led by Golden Gate Railroad Museum volunteers has been
working since mid-October to make this year's Trains for Tots Special extra special.
Decked with animated toy soldiers, teddy bears and at least twice as many lights as
last year's train, the glittering Caltrain will steam into nine stations over two
nights, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
Each stop will include 25-minute entertainment shows featuring some 40 singers and
musicians. Santa Claus will be riding the rails, along with Rudolph, Frosty and
friends.
But to rail fans, at least "co-star" status belongs to the steam engine that will
power the train, the former S.P. engine No. 2472, courtesy of the rail museum.
Behind all the effort that goes into presenting Trains for Tots is a larger purpose
than just providing a memorable holiday experience: The train is a vehicle to help
generate donations for the United States Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots Program,
which is among the sponsors.
People are encouraged to make the holidays brighter for needy Bay Area children by
bringing a new, unwrapped toy to give to the Marines and volunteers.
"This is a rare opportunity to allow a piece of our history to be involved in
something that brings joy to children of all ages," said Mike Mangini, the museum's
executive director. "People from all walks of life have worked on this for the
singular goal of providing enjoyment and an attraction that exemplifies the spirit of
giving."
A Salvation Army brass band will be on board both nights, joined by a chorus from
Cisco Systems on Saturday night and from Caņada College on Sunday night.
Sponsorship support is coming from Microsoft Corp., Ernst Development Inc., Amtrak,
Amelco Electric, Herzog Contracting Corp., Stacy & Witbeck, Inc., and Evergreen Oil,
Inc.
Following is the schedule for the 2002 holiday train:
Saturday, Nov. 30
Caltrain Station |
Arrival |
Departure |
San Francisco Terminal
at 4th & King streets |
4:30 p.m.* |
5:00 p.m. |
Millbrae Caltrain Station
California Drive & Linden Avenue |
5:20 p.m. |
5:45 p.m. |
San Mateo Transit Center
First and Main streets |
6:00 p.m. |
6:25 p.m. |
Menlo Park Caltrain Station +
Santa Cruz Avenue & Merrill Street |
6:45 p.m. |
7:10 p.m. |
Santa Clara Caltrain Station +
Railroad Avenue and Palm Drive |
7:35 p.m. |
8:00 p.m. |
Sunday, Dec. 1
Caltrain Station |
Arrival |
Departure |
San Francisco Terminal
at 4th & King streets |
4:30 p.m.* |
5:00 p.m. |
Burlingame Caltrain Station
California Drive/Burlingame Avenue |
5:25 p.m. |
5:50 p.m. |
Redwood City Caltrain Station
James Avenue and Franklin Street |
6:10 p.m. |
6:35 p.m. |
Palo Alto Caltrain Station
University Avenue at Alma Street |
6:50 p.m. |
7:15 p.m. |
Mountain View Caltrain Station
Castro Street at W. Evelyn Avenue |
7:25 p.m. |
7:50 p.m. |
The train is for display only. Trains may arrive up to five minutes ahead of
schedule.
+ Model railroad exhibits will be open at Menlo Park from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
and at Santa Clara from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
* The holiday program in San Francisco begins at this time.
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