Hi friends,

I took my family to ride the Steamtown holiday train to Moscow yesterday. Not sure if there are tix for next week, but even of not, go chase it!

The train was made up of the Mike, 1 combine and 6 coaches. Each car was nicely decorated inside, and the Mike sported a smokebox wreath. All the decorations were low key and did not detract from the inherent appeal of a black steam locomotive pulling a train of green rolling stock.

We left on time at 11AM, shortly after two big Alcos brought a string of empty grain cars down from the Poconos. With the railroad to ourselves, the crew made quick time of getting out to Scranton.

We rolled along the jointed rail at a good clip (35mph, 40mph?) with the steam heat sizzling and the whistle joyfully playing off the hillsides.

At Moscow, the L&WV NRHS Chapter filled the freight and passenger depots with holiday displays, craft activities for the kids, gift shop, storytime, Santa mailbox and more. Outside was a refreshment stand, and the chance to have your picture taken with the crew on the Mike's pilot.

The train stayed open for those needing a break, and the Mike stayed on the head pin until just before re-boarding time to give everyone a chance at a good look. Santa hung out towards the back of the train.

In both directions NPS Rangers read Christmas stories, and on the way back, an NRHS volunteer gave every child a homemade chocolate chip cookie.

Once we got back to Scranton, everyone got a cool little Steamtown Christmas ornament.

I have taken my family on many holiday trains in the east, and I can say hands-down this was the warmest, friendliest and best bang of for the buck holiday trip we have been on.

It ties with the Green Mountain's Easter Train as the best tourist train experience I have had, and the best value.

Kudos to Steamtown and the chapter for what amounted to a perfect day for me the railfan and me the daddy (and for the Mrs and my little guy, too!)!

Rob Davis

Next weekend more of the same, only this time the DL will come down from Tobyhanna with some Alco's and a cabin car with Santa, and Mrs. Claus, stop at Moscow, and visit kids from the Steamtown train. At least this is how its going to come down I think.

Ed K. cp Laurel Run