NS special units help with Decatur Terminal Santa Train.

Merry Christmas! Wabash 1189 leads the 2017 NS Santa Train west through Decatur.

Wabash 1189 leads the NS Santa Train west into Niantic.

Wabash 1189 passes MP 387 on the Springfield-Hannibal District, a location it's likely passed many times in its 65+ year career.

Wabash 1189 disturbs the quiet town of Niantic as it barrels by the grain elevator with the 2017 NS Holiday Train.

The NS Santa Train heads west thru Niantic, IL.

The NS Santa Train heads west in the last light of day.

After meeting it's counterpart 256 at Harristown, NS 255 continues west into Niantic, Illinois. Both trains are clearing the way for Monticello Railway Museum's Wabash F7(A) 1189 leading this year... (more)

Engineer Carter and Conductor Gannaway lead a 50 car D79 empty grain train toward Griggsville Illinois where it will drop the empties off and pick up 50 loads bound for the ADM plant at Decatur.

NS Illinois Division Santa Train rolls eastward on its return flip to Decatur, on Sunday's first run. Steve Smedley photo

NS Santa Train 957 powered by Wabash F7A 1189 leads the Santa train past the grain bins in Niantic, Illinois.

NS Santa Train 957 powered by CN FPA-4 6789 leads the special back to Decatur as she passes the grain bins at Niantic, Illinois.

Friends Robby Gragg and Joe Zaky get their shots of the annual, NS Santa Train as it highballs east through the town of Niantic.

Norfolk Southern's 2011 Santa Train highballs west through the town of Niantic, doing every bit of 60 MPH.

#957 rolls east past the large grain elevator at Niantic after making an "Illiopolis Turn" behind 33J.