Toys For Tots Train - Dec. 2010

It’s getting to be that time of year again! Last year’s NJ Operation Toy Train was a *major* success, and we are all certain this year is going to be even better.

The dates for this year’s train are as follows:

Saturday, December 11, 2010: Morristown and Erie Railway

Sunday, December 12, 2010: NYS&W Railway

The schedule of stops will be posted in the near future.

Website: http://njoperationtoytrain.com/

Change in plans and schedule.... Owing to NJ Transit's concerns, the schedule has been REVERSED.... Train will now operate on the NYS&W on SATURDAY, December 11 and on the Morristown & Erie on SUNDAY, December 12. Schedule will be posted on the website in the near future.

The "Toys" Train is still on for Sat. Dec 11th. The VRA group is working along with the Military Transport Association to make it sucessful, but they still need your support, they are not only collecting toys but showing support to the U.S. Marine Reserve Unit out of Picatinny.
So on Dec 11th, after you take your photos,drop a NEW unwrapped toy at the boxcar and take a minute to thank those Marines for their service...

Just another reminder, Sat. Dec 11th, The "Toys For Tots" Train will be running on the Susquehanna.
Maywood..9-10 am
Hawthorne..10:20-11:00 am
Wortendyke.11:10-11:40 am
Wyckoff......11:45-12:45 pm
Pompton Lakes.1:00-2:45 pm
Butler.........3:00-3:45 pm
After you chase the train, take your photos, stop by the train and drop a "NEW", unwrapped toy off at the boxcar and take
a minute to thank the Marines for their service. Alot of effort has gone into this train by the VRA and the MTA and the 4
railroads to make this work,please support them.

On Saturday, Dec 11, The Military Transport Association, in conjunction with the US Marines and the NYS&W Railway, operated the 2nd annual Toys 4 Tots special train over the NYS&W Southern Division from Ridgefield Park, NJ to Butler, NJ and return. This year, the weather was more cooperative, and more toys were donated as well, with the count winding up around 5400 toys, just for this one day. That's what its all about. My work schedule didn't allow me to catch up to the train until mid-run, but I still had a great time donating, assisting, and chasing the train before going home and collapsing for 12 hours of sleep! Also got to catch up with some friends, and my thanks to Frank, Allen, Steve and Todd for their cooperation and courtesy extended towards me. So, without further delay here are some of my captured images from the chase. Enjoy!

Starting at Wortendyke, where I first caught the train:


http://rcbsd45.rrpicturearchives.net/sh ... id=2335078

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Some of the crew who ensured a smooth and safe operation:

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On to the next stop, Wyckoff, NJ:


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Next, onto Pompton Lakes, NJ, which(as last year) had the largest crowd and most donations:


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Finally, to Butler where the last donations of the day were taken, and then the train was run around and headed back east to Ridgefield park NJ and then eventually to Morristown NJ:


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That's it. it was too dark for further photographic attempts at this point. As with last year(though the weather was more cooperative this time around) "A good time was had by all") and hearts were warmed, by both the people making the donations, and those on the train only too happy to accept them. the toys will eventually be offloaded and distributed by the US Marines, whom(as with the other military services) we gratefully appreciate and thank the for their service to the country. Theres still time to donate to Toys 4 Tots. further info can be found here: http://www.toysfortots.org/ Merry Christmas everyone!

Ralph