Kids Train

Mark S Bassett · **Posted:** Thu Feb 21, 2008 1:56 pm

Other than Thomas the Tank does anyone do a train aimed directly at kids? I'm looking for a copyright free idea.

Baldwin feeder · **Posted:** Thu Feb 21, 2008 3:18 pm

Do Christmas trains such as a "North Pole Express" count, or are you looking for a train that could be done regardless of the time of year?

eldiner · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 8:39 am **Posts:** 534

Weren't several tourist operations doing a take off on "The Little Engine That Could"?

Mark S Bassett · **Posted:** Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:09 pm

I should have been more specific, I'm looking for a summer train for kids.

survivingworldsteam · **Posted:** Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:36 pm

Quote:

Weren't several tourist operations doing a take off on "The Little Engine That Could"?

That is also a copyrighted idea, and a Thomas-like tour:

http://www.thelittleenginethatcouldtour.com/

Sponsored by Rail Events; the engine was also built by the Strasburg Shop in 2005.

Bobharbison · **Joined:** Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:42 pm **Posts:** 3010

Mark S Bassett wrote:

Other than Thomas the Tank does anyone do a train aimed directly at kids? I'm looking for a copyright free idea.

Aside from Casey Jr at Disneyland, I don't know if anyone runs one, but a circus theme would work with kids while also being copyright free.

adammil1 · **Posted:** Thu Feb 21, 2008 6:17 pm

Sorry if I offend anyone here especially those at the Strasburg shops who built the engine but YUCKKKK I want to barf just looking at a picture of that ugly contraption of a locomotive!!!!!

Here's a children's steam locomotive done right!

Just out of curiosity, what type of an engine was the donor for the little engine that could?

Adam

Alan Maples · **Posted:** Thu Feb 21, 2008 10:37 pm

When I was involved with a now-defunct excursion railroad a number of years ago, we did "Carnival Trains" for the kids, featuring roaming magicians, folks making balloon animals, and probably other similar activities - I don't remember all the details. The regular on-board lunch buffet underwent a menu change and featured hot dogs and other foods with more kid appeal.

I picked up a brocure once for the Walkersville Southern (Maryland) and noticed they had all sorts of special event trains scattered through their operating season.

Middletown & Hummelstown (Pennsylvania) has lots of special event trains listed on their web site and I remember them telling me the "hobo lunch" was very popular with kids.

Easter Bunny in the spring and Pumpkin trains in the fall seem to work well for those who offer them.

Our local YMCA charters our train every fall for a "train robbery" event, which ties in with a trackside festival. They pack the train full all day at what I consider a premium ticket price.

Alan Maples