What is better than a steam locomotive? Two steam locomotives!
Here we see fresh off a rebuild, No. 97, departing Essex Station with its section of The North Pole Express. No. 3025 waits its turn to back its section to where No. 97 is now. No. 40, camera-shy, is about 1000' behind the photographer making up its train.
The Valley's NPE is so successful they need three locos and three huge trains of heavyweight cars to deal with the tens of thousands of happy people. They come with the entire family for a wonderful evening on the rails.
For steam fans, it is an embarrassment of riches, a place that is magical.
