Wabash 1189 departs Decatur and approaches the junction with the CN at WABIC. A Wabash coaling tower still stands to the left of the F7.

Wabash 1189 passes its former namesake railroad's searchlights at Harristown.

As Wabash 1189 was preparing to lead the train out of town, a pair of NS MP15's pulled up alongside, posing for some great pictures.

Wabash F7 1189 gets a chance to stretch its legs as NS' 2011 Santa Train speeds west alongside old US Route 36 near Illiopolis.

The Norfolk Southern Santa train comes to a stop as it prepares to unload its passengers.

Wabash F7 1189 passes the old Walrus Manufacturing Co. building as the Santa Train nears the end of its run at Wabic.

The NS Illinois Division's Santa/Christmas Train with good friends Bill Crisp as engineer and Derek Chamness as conductor is about to depart for Illiopolis with Wabash 1189 leading. Built in 1953,... (more)

NS' Santa Train prepares to head back to the Roundhouse to tie up after a long day for its all volunteer crew. Tomorrow they will do it all over again.

An NS switch job, lead by 2 MP15DC's pulls alongside the Santa Special headed-up by a Wabash F7 from the nearby Monticello Railway Museum.

NS #957 prepares to depart Decatur with the last run of the day west to Illiopolis.

NS #957 rounds the curve at Wyckles Road with the 2011 Illinois Division Santa Train. After 4 years of absolutely miserable winter weather, it was nice to catch this year's train in beautiful Win... (more)

Wabash #1189 sits idle as passengers load as two MP15DC switchers work the yard at Decatur.

Starkly etched by the morning sun, Clinchfield F7A 817 is the north end point unit for a three-engine pusher. Later in the day, it will shove a southbound coal train up the 1.5 percent grade throu... (more)

The Polar Express is ready to depart for a run on the first night of operation in Old Sacramento, as the conductor gives a wave to me as I trip the shutter.