(The following story by Leo King appeared on The Examiner website on June 4, 2010.)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With the goal of sparking children’s interest in trains and train travel, Amtrak and Lionel are partnering this summer for the 11th Annual Amtrak-Lionel Kid’s Essay Contest to give children age 12 and under a chance to win a Lionel toy train set by describing what they like most about riding Amtrak. The contest launched on June 1 and entries may be submitted through August 31.
Entry forms are available onboard 11 of Amtrak’s western trains including the California Zephyr, Amtrak Cascades, Coast Starlight, Capitol Corridor, Empire Builder, Heartland Flyer, Southwest Chief, Pacific Surfliner, Sunset Limited, San Joaquin, and the Texas Eagle.
One grand prize winner will be awarded the Rio Grande Ski Train and 14 first place winners will be given the Polar Express G-gauge train. Each essay will be judged on content and originality.
Winners will be announced in October.
Lionel LLC makes O-gauge model trains and accessories. The firm was established in 1900.