Just wanted to share this video I was sent a couple nights ago. Yes it is past Christmas, but I thought this was one of the best Christmas and promotional videos I have seen in some time. There is only a little of the Polson #2, but the still photos of the kids and family enjoying the moment is priceless. Yup not about restoration or history but a good example of a group coming together and delivering some wonderful moments to the public and presenting themselves well. Of course other organizations to it well also.

Was able to volunteer at the Valley RR in CT a few years back for a Thomas the Train event. That too was a hoot and what made it special was the public and joy it brought to both kids and parents. Well worth the time to volunteer for these magical events. Kind of a nice change from getting all full of oil and grease and getting to look into the eyes of people having a very real fun moment. Congrats "Holiday Express 2022" in Portland, Oregon.

To all the backbiters at MC who swore up and down the #2 would never run, never pull a train, never pass FRA inspections and bad mouthing Skip for not following the "herd" mentality of the day, check out the passenger train it was pulling. Sure made my day 2+ weeks after Christmas. RIP Skip the #2 is doing well. Regards, John.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvKockFXm2g

Your Polson #2 sure does look healthy to me. I love the hardwood cowcatcher, which looks just like the ones we once used in Guatemala. The last one of them was crushed when FEGUA 200 was being parked in her stall without the air pumped up, and she smashed into the back wall of the Puerto Barrios roundhouse about 30 years ago. Yes, I was there, but it wasn't my fault....

Not mine Sammy, wouldn't be crazy enough to own a steam locomotive. Nor would I have the money to make and keep it running. Though there was a time I might of swallowed that hook.

As for the smashed cowcatcher, my only comment would be "yup that is what I would of said".

By the way anything happening on your little project? Regards, John.

Skip would be proud. I'm glad the #2 found an appreciative home in the end.

Thanks for asking about us, John. I'm going to have to repeat the answer I gave on a different thread a few weeks ago: "I've gotten in trouble a lot more times by running my mouth than I ever have by keeping it shut. This is just good railroading." We haven't made much progress lately, but neither have we given up, and I can assure you that we'll be crowing loudly when the time is right for us to do so.

Thumbs up! Regards, John.

"Skip would be proud. I'm glad the #2 found an appreciative home in the end."

Just to be clear, unless something has changed this was only a brief stopover for the #2 as it at least was to be moved sometime after the holiday trains to its new home rails, the Albany & Eastern Railroad out of Lebanon, Oregon. Oregon Rail Heritage Center arranged to use it on the holiday trains as a fill in for this year.

Thanks for posting the video!

Jeff Moore
Elko, NV

Yup, she is going to Albany & Eastern. Boilermakers comment was aimed at that final home. Some may not have known the #2 was more or less on loan for the Xmas specials ran in Portland. Indeed the #2s new home looks like a dream come true. Skip knew the fellow who restored the #205 which is a beauty in itself and would be proud of it going to A&E RR to someone who will take care of her. Best wishes for that operation and the future of the #2. Regards, John.