(Foster Folly News published the following story on December 6, 2009.)
Located on the Ellipse, just south of the White House, the National Christmas Tree has been a part of the holiday season since 1923.
WASHINGTON – Model trains are as much a part of the holiday season as candy canes and stockings, and this year Amtrak is honored to have a model train representing America’s railroad operating beneath the most famous Christmas tree of all – the National Christmas Tree.
Working with the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation, and the National Christmas Tree Railroad, Amtrak has provided one of several model trains that will circle the 42-foot Colorado Spruce several thousand times during the holiday season, making its final run at the end of December.
The Amtrak model train is 1:22.5 in scale and includes two GE Genesis P42 diesel locomotives and four single-level Amfleet passenger cars plus a café car. The model represents Amtrak Northeast Regional service south of Washington, D.C. and Midwest Corridor service where the trains operate using this type of equipment.
“Amtrak is pleased to be a part of one of nation’s most treasured holiday traditions,” said Emmett Fremaux, Amtrak’s vice president of marketing and product development. “We hope a visit to the National Christmas Tree to see our model train will pique interest among kids of all ages to choose traveling by train on their next trip.”
About Amtrak
As the nation’s intercity passenger rail operator, Amtrak connects America in safer, greener and healthier ways. Last fiscal year (FY 2009), the railroad carried 27.2 million passengers, making it the second-best year in the company’s history. With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day—at speeds up to 150 mph—to more than 500 destinations. Amtrak also is the operator of choice for state-supported corridor services in 15 states and for four commuter rail agencies. Visit Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information.