JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. — The U.S. Army Transportation Museum will host “Operation Sgt. Santa,” a holiday train ride around the Fort Eustis railroad for Department of Defense ID cardholders, this Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 11-12.
Trains will depart hourly from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day, with each trip lasting approximately 45 minutes. Rides are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Per Department of Defense policy, all passengers are required to wear masks.
Passengers can step back in time to the golden age of train travel for a 1960s “A Christmas Story”-themed train party.
Passengers may ride in the 40-seat, first-class passenger car Pacific Trail, or in the 38-seat lounge Overland Trail, which will feature the last operating railcar barber shop in the Unite States. Also open to passengers will be the Presidential 118 Navy Car, one of the oldest operating luxury rail cars in the fleet, which features a dining room, kitchen and staterooms.
Passengers are encouraged to wear holiday attire for the occasion, which could become an annual event with enough support and patronage. For more information, call (802) 578-3973.
Did my own research – It’s apparently an ex-UP business car, built in 1914. For a rear end view, see http://www.navyhistory.org/2011/12/railcar-trip/
Never heard of “Presidential 118 Navy Car.” Can someone furnish details?
Wonderful idea for the troops and their children. Hope a few lifelong railfans are created or nurtured.