Posted on 11/25/2011 5:57:48 PM PST by CedarDave
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad presents The Polar Express in Durango, Colorado.
Great American experience, that old train ride up the Animas river to Silverton
Thanks for posting, CedarDave! Great video. I just love watching the kid’s eyes... so full of wonderment and excitement. Fabulous!
That was a great commercial for them. The trains in Colorado are incredible rides. We are looking forward to the Christmas time train ride up the side of Pikes Peak. In the summer it is amazing but with massive snow on the mountain it must be even better.
The train in Poar Express was based on PM 1225.
Thanks, Cedar Dave. I hear and see those great old engines and railroad cars every day.
You are correct — the engine and sounds in the animated movie were from PM 1225. However, American Heritage Railways/Rail Events is the Warner Brothers licensee for use of the name and music from the movie “Polar Express” and in turn licenses use for other railways (32 RRs for 2011). That is why the Michigan group uses the name “North Pole Express” instead of “Polar Express” for its Christmas trains.
You're welcome! Here is a video of it leaving the station:
Indeed it is. I would love to do that again.
We rode it in the summer. Spent a lot of time in an open car checking out the sights. Took weeks to get all the soot out of our hair but it was well worth it.
All the families I know who’ve taken it have found it a precious experience. Of course, they have taken children the ages prone to be in awe of such an experience.
IIRC, the train doesn’t go more than half-way to Silverton during the winter snow season.
However, with lights, music and snow . . . it is reportedly a ‘magical’ experience.
We rode the Durango/Silvertton train Polar Express on Christmas Eve two years ago with three grandkids. Was the BEST (can I yell it any louder?) experience ever. Our 6 year old granddaughter (at the time) shouted “I believe! I believe!” when Santa and Mrs Santa came on the train. It was the best time by all, grandparents, parents and kiddoes. Going to go again next year when our youngest grandbaby is two. Our oldest grandson (7 at the time) was getting skeptical about Santa since Santa at home sure sounded like Papaw. ;) He asked me if we were really going to the North Pole. I said it sure sounded like it and when we saw two of Santa’s reindeer out the window and they were realllll still, he asked why they were like that. I said I guess Santa had magic stuff to make them alive. It was magical even with the hot chocolate that Scarlet Grace aka Hooey (aged 3 at the time) spilled on me. Conductor guy danced to the music and kids loved it. Wear your jammies.
Thanks for posting this. My husband and I took this train ride several years ago in the late fall. It was magnificent. The scenery was spectacular and when we got close to the tope the snow began to fall making everything glisten. Just loved it. Wonderful memories.
Sounds like the perfect Christmas experience. When I think of Christmas I think of snowy mountains and what a great setting like a Santa Clause train ride!
Hoc (the pawnbroker Mr. of hoc and doc) and I rode the Grand Canyon Express train to the Grand Canyon this summer, spending one night in the little town of Williams, Arizona and another at the Maswik Lodge in the Grand Canyon National Park. They also have a “Polar Express” http://www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html
My family took this train ride a few years ago.
To make it even more interesting the train was filled with Amish dressed in their old ways clothing.
sometimes you can look down thousands of feet to the river below.
It truly was! What we found out was that all the people working on the train on the Polar Express (except the conductor driving it) are all volunteers.
Watched the video on that link. Made me tear up remembering the kids faces even ole non believer Marshal. It is an experience for everyone even if you don’t have kids.Santa gave them all sleigh bells as a souvenir along with the golden train ticket that was punched. Absolutely the best thing I have ever done.
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