LSC member Al Pomeroy invited me to ride with him in his restored Vermont Central wood caboose for today’s 3 trains on the Railroad Museum of New England’s Naugatuck Railroad. Of course I jumped at the chance and met Al up at the railroads shop late this morning. The day began by coaxing some heat out of a vintage coal stove in the caboose. Al and I got caught up while the train crews got the two diesels started, connected to the train and tested brakes. Eventually we got underway heading north to Thomaston for the only daylight run. Soon after we arrived eager fans of Santa Clause began climbing aboard while Al and I took a few photos from the station grounds. Here’s Al’s caboose decked out for the Christmas trains…
Our train was led southbound by ex ConnDOT FL-9 #2019. I’ve probably ridden behind this engine on the Danbury branch of Metro North in the late 80’s…
You think Al was having fun ???
Soon we climbed aboard for the first run of the day. Here’s the view of Thomaston Station from the roomy cupola…
Later in the trip we traveled north to the face of Thomaston Dam. Here’s another cupola view leaving the dam face…
Ask dusk began to fall at Thomaston Station, the crew lit up the train…
Even some of the static museum equipment was lit for the occasion…
I accidentally set the camera to Bulb and ended up with this interesting shot…
I tried a few flash shots but most were overexposed. I’m glad this one was OK - Check out the cupola window…
Once the train was loaded with happy kids and parents we began the trip south to Santa’s Workshop. As we arrive the area is very dark. Th train blows a long horn blast and the scene is lit…
Santa boards the train and as we continue south he visits personally with every child in their seat. In order to give Santa time to finish his rounds before we arrive back at the Workshop, the train at times is barely crawling. Eventually we return to the workshop where Santa de-trains and bids Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night 
A huge thank you to Al Pomeroy for the invite and the hospitality !!!
