(Amtrak and Lionel issued the following on June 15, 2009.)
OAKLAND, Calif. — Children age 12 and under who ride Amtrak’s western trains can win a Lionel toy train set by describing what they like about riding on the train as part of the 10th annual Amtrak Lionel Kid’s Essay Contest.
From the inception of the essay contest, the Amtrak and Lionel partnership has been designed to inspire interest in trains and passenger train travel among children. Over 3,000 children have entered the essay contest in the past 10 years.
Entry forms are now available onboard 11 of Amtrak’s western trains including the California Zephyr, Amtrak Cascades, the Coast Starlight, the Capitol Corridor, the Empire Builder, the Heartland Flyer, the Southwest Chief, the Pacific Surfliner, the Sunset Limited, the San Joaquin and the Texas Eagle. The trains carrying the entry forms will pass through 14 states from California to Illinois and are available to all riders under the age of 12. Entries may be submitted through August 31, 2009.
The Santa Fe El Capitan(TM) train set valued at $370 will be awarded to the grand prize winner and a Polar Express(TM) train set valued at $330 will be distributed to 14 lucky first place prize winners. Essays will be judged on content and originality. Prizes will be awarded in the fall.
About Lionel
Lionel LLC is one of the world’s leading marketers of model trains and accessories. Established in 1900, the Lionel name is the most widely recognized brand in the toy train industry and one of the most recognized brands in America.
About Amtrak
Amtrak has posted six consecutive years of growth in ridership and revenue, carrying more than 28.7 million passengers in the last fiscal year. Amtrak provides intercity passenger rail service to more than 500 destinations in 46 states on a 21,000-mile route system. For schedules, fares and information, passengers may call 800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com.