A Trip on the Happy Holiday Railway

Frank writes...

I snagged tickets a while back to take my wife and daughter to HHR on opening day, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely, you won't be surprised to know.

Above is the impressive HHR train, consisting of a six-car bi-level set in real push-pull operation with C&NW 411 on the west end. The operation is a bit different than typical summertime service. The train departs westbound, goes to Jefferson Street, and then returns east via Station Track 2. If there are any passengers who just missed their train (and there usually are), the train makes a quick stop to board them before proceeding east to Kishwaukee Grove and then returning to the depot. To avoid having to clear switches, the train holds the main at Johnson and Schmidt Sidings. We had a great time aboard the train, and kudos go to Santa and the elves, all of whom were in great spirits.

Before our trip, we toured the Model Railroad Exhibit and the new "Jingle Junction" heated tent where Mrs. Claus was welcoming kids and Bob Opal was playing festive tunes on the piano. Of course we also went through Barn 6, which Jim Ward has decorated with an incredible 800-foot illuminated pathway said to contain over 100,000 lights. The above photo doesn't do it justice, but it does include the 319, which is wintering in Barn 6 for a change.

As soon as our Santa train trip ended, before we were even off the platform, the fireworks show began. Here's the view of the 749, one of the two "streetcars" in service, stopped at Depot Street with a burst visible in the background.

We viewed most of the fireworks show from the lawn behind the depot. As with last year, it was a really impressive display! The fireworks show is only this first weekend. Unfortunately, HHR has been cancelled for tomorrow (Saturday) due to the dire weather forecasts, but additional trips have been added on December 19th and on Saturdays in December to compensate. Make sure to tell your friends to get their tickets now!