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  • 2012 Browns Yard Santa train

  • Pertaining to all railroading subjects, past and present, in New Jersey
Pertaining to all railroading subjects, past and present, in New Jersey

Moderator: David

 #1117105  by RailsEast
 
Well, you can't have perfect weather every year...but...it was still a blast chasing with the diehards. It's getting to be a reunion of sorts, lots of folks we only see once a year, on this day; great to see you Chris, Stephen, Tony K, Kevin P from south Jersey and everyone else whose face I know, but name escapes me. Good to meet some new CR people as well this year. Arriving early this morning, I had never seen 7 units in Browns Yard before!

A newly repaired (cab damage) ex-CR unit leading on the way down, with an ex-PC unit trailing that I haven't seen in three years (on lease to the NYS&W at the time)......

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPi ... id=3299794
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPi ... id=3299805
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPi ... id=3299828
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPi ... id=3299842
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPi ... id=3299843
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPi ... id=3299844
 #1117112  by ThirdRail7
 
So ,what does this train "do?" Does Santa ride on outside and throw candy canes or does it just cruise down to Freehold where he makes an appearance?
 #1117122  by TAMR213
 
ThirdRail7 wrote:So ,what does this train "do?" Does Santa ride on outside and throw candy canes or does it just cruise down to Freehold where he makes an appearance?
For most of the ride, Santa is inside, but when they get close to their stops Santa will be riding on the pilot. At Freehold, kids have the opportunity to meet Santa, and each child also receives a toy with the help of the Freehold Police. After they leave Freehold, a similar stop is made in Jamesburg after being escorted into town by the Jamesburg VFD. In addition, they may throw candy to any kids waiting at Grade Crossings en-route.

I apologize if any of this info is incorrect, I'm sure others have more up to date info, as its been a few years since I last chased this train.
 #1117138  by RailsEast
 
Yes, Erik, that's it in a nutshell, although I think the candy tossing mostly took place in the early days. Conrail, the Freehold PBA and the Freehold & Jamesburg VFD's sponsor this run every year to benefit the youngsters in Freehold and Jamesburg, the 2 stops on the run. It's a bit more organized than it was 20 years ago, but the day still retains that 'hometown' feel to it, and the speed restriction on the FIT lends to a leisurely & enjoyable chase for the railfan. Many people volunteer their time & energy for the train every year.
A search in this forum will reveal additional info for past years photos & comments.....
Chris
 #1118445  by GSC
 
Great pics, guys.

RailsEast, a minor correction to one of your photo captions: The original Freehold & Jamesburg Agricultural RR, between named towns, dates to 1853, the first rail line to enter Monmouth County.

Missed it this year. Dec 8th was my birthday, but I had to work, so no train, no birthday, just another day.
 #1118535  by RailsEast
 
Thanks, Gary, you are correct. I was looking at the 5/21/1879 date, when the Farmingdale & Squan Village and the Squankum & Freehold Marl Co. were consolidated into the Freehold & Jamesburg.
Happy belated birthday, by the way.....
Chris