Wow ,had a very rewarding ,fun and interesting day ,as a volunteer on the BNSF holiday train here in so cal this past weekend , this is a first class operation on a beautiful consist of business cars that takes trainloads of local kids on a winter holiday train ride manned by an all volunteer crew and helpers (like me and my son) to entertain and love on these kids .

The day started early in san Bernardino yard as we (the volunteers) were treated to a coffee an pastery breakfast in a beautiful business car where we received our assignments for the day, then we relaxed and enjoyed a scenic ride up cajon pass to victorville station to pick up our load on kids ,over 400 was the count, then proceeded to take them on a ride to barstow yard where a turn around loop sent us back the way we came ending back at Victorville about 3 hours later . Our car was filled with groups of 3 year olds from a preschool and I must say keeping them entertained was a bit more than I thought ,was horse from singing Christmas songs, but it was a joy as this train ride was the making of the holiday for many of these kids.The kids also received snacks and a bagful of goodies plus a visit from Santa the chipmunks ,and many other characters roaming the cars.

    I must say I was very impressed with the BNSF and there employees for putting this on for these kids ,the consist was decorated in Kansas and brought out for these kids at I assume a huge cost , the employees gave there time as volunteers like us the hole thing was conducted with professionalism and was TOP notch.  

   Lastly we were treated to a wonderful prime rib meal on the train after dropping off the kids then a run down cajon pass . the consist was led by a pair of spit shined GE units . And again we had a Great time on a beautiful train ,thank you BNSF and employees ..  Jerr

Here is some picts  NOTE the new " duel fuel loco consist " testing in barstow area ,if I understood rite maybe seeing these on the road soon !