Read more in the Journal Gazette’s coverage:

This weekend’s attendance would make it the biggest single weekend in the event’s 16-year history.

The combination of trains and Santa is a winning one that draws hundreds of people each year. The event is a tribute to a holiday tradition by department store Wolf & Dessauer, which sponsored a similar train ride into downtown Fort Wayne more than 50 years ago.

The event’s popularity could also be attributed to the families in the area and their connection with the railroad industry, explains Kelly Lynch, the society’s communications director.

The line of ticket holders stretched from one end of the restoration facility just east of New Haven to the other, sometimes snaking around into a J-shape as more people joined the line.

During the average wait of about an hour, those waiting could purchase a hot dog from Brava’s Dogs hot dog cart; explore two parked trains, including the Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive No. 765; buy souvenirs from the railroad society; or play with a miniature train set.

More than 2,300 people rode the train over three weekends this year. This weekend was the last for the annual event, which this year averaged dozens of rides per day, Lynch said.

Jennifer Dodd-Fox and her husband brought their son Brighton for their third and final ride of the year on Saturday.

“We love every single time we come here,” Dodd-Fox said.

She said the trains are the biggest draw because Brighton loves them. Santa’s presence and the holiday theme are added bonuses and reminiscent of “The Polar Express.”

“It’s perfect because it’s such a wonderful blend. What kid doesn’t love ‘The Polar Express?’ ” she said.

In the caboose of the Santa Train, about 10 children climbed up into the lofts to peer out the windows as the train moved along the tracks, only coming down to the sound of jingle bells and a jolly “Ho, ho, ho,” from Santa Claus, who visits each car during the ride. The caboose was added in the past couple of years to accommodate the growing number of riders the event attracts, Lynch said. Only a few kids were brave enough to talk to Santa, among them Colin Butler, 4, who declined to sit on Santa’s lap but told Santa all about his wish list.

It was Colin’s first ride on Santa’s Train, said his mom, Coby Hanna-Butler, who attended the event for the first time with a group of four kids and three other adults.

“It was something different to do for the holidays that was also reasonably priced,” she said.

Leslee Hill brought her two children as part of Hanna-Butler’s group and said she liked the fact that the experience was in a facility with real, working trains. She said the $4 ride was also long enough without being boring.

“I loved it,” she said. “I thought it was a great holiday experience.”

“Train Buffs Bring Special Locomotive to Town” – St. Louis Disptach
September 9th, 2012

The volunteers who move the Nickel Plate Road No. 765 steam engine conduct a 400-ton symphony on rails. On Saturday morning, it was that whistle that alerted Kyle Timmerman, 21, of Pacific, that the 765 was approaching the Missouri River. He heard it before he saw the plume of white smoke on the horizon.

“Historic Train Stops in Attica; Steam Engine Gets Premier Service” – WLFI 18
September 5th, 2012

“Historic Steam Engine Rumbles Across Western Pennsylvania Rails” – TribLive
August 20th, 2012

“I said, ‘That’s not a diesel. That’s a locomotive coming,’ ” said Pettko, 41, of Mt. Lebanon. “That was something special.”

Taylor saw the black smoke and white steam of the No. 765 as it passed through Pittsburgh last week on its way to Harrisburg.

His wife tracked its progress through the website for the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Railroad Historical Society, which owns the mainline engine, to make sure the family did not miss its return.

The family last year visited the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton.

“But this had more novelty,” said Taylor. “It’s not every day that a steam engine passes through your neighborhood.”

“Steam Engine Chugs Through Galitzen” – Tribune Democrat
August 20th, 2012

Railroad enthusiasts lining the tracks included lots of elementary school-age boys and girls and even more older fellows who recalled the days when a steam train, especially through this area, was a way of life.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. You may not ever see it again,” said Bob Freidhoff, a Vinco native now living in Pittsburgh.

“Steam Engine Passing through Altoona” – Altoona Mirror
August 18th, 2012

“Past to Make Whistle Stop as Steam Train Returns to Pittsburgh” – TribLive
August 16th, 2012

“It’s in first-class shape,” said Bruce Manwiller, 65, of Beaver Falls, a member of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, who chased the engine last week from Ohio to Altoona. “It’s always put on a good show. It’s always been a dependable machine.”

“Spectators Great Train on Trip Through Altoona” – Altoona Mirror
August 14th, 2012

“Chasing History” – Altoona Mirror
August 21st, 2012

Residents from all over had been peppering the newsroom with calls about when to expect the engine, which was “deadheading” to Pittsburgh after weekend excursions in Harrisburg. The interest was intense.

“Train Spotters Thrilled by Historic Steam Locomotive” – WHPTV 21 News
August 20th, 2012

“Dozens Gather to See Piece of Region’s Railroad History” – Toledo Blade
July 29th, 2012

Locals and out-of-towners from gathering along the tracks, many with cameras and video tripods, to watch and hear the steam engine and wave at its passengers as it proceeded on its journey.

For some, Saturday’s viewing was a chance encounter. Erin Steinhurst of Toledo happened to see the train while running errands in Maumee, and went to the Miami Street bridge to show her father the train because she “had never seen anything like it before.”

Trig Simon of Toledo saw Saturday’s crowd gathered on the bridge’s sidewalk and stopped after deciding there must be something worth seeing.

“It’s about the nostalgia and the history behind Toledo and its railroad heyday, and remembering what Toledo used to be as a railroad town,” Mr. Rude said.

Mr. Gorshoff said he thought the steam engine’s trip through Toledo would energize the city.

“I couldn’t believe it at first,” he said of hearing that the train would pass through Toledo. “I think it’s really going to give Toledo a shot in the arm — I think Toledo needs a lot of this.”

“Lima-built Steam Locomotive to Return to Area for Special Trips” – Toledo Blade
July 16th, 2012

“Steaming with Excitement” – Fostoria Review Times
July 17th, 2012

FRPS board member Ellen Gatrell said the occasion would boost the city’s rail tourism.

“It’s another reason to come by the tracks and watch trains,” Gatrell said. “When that steam train whistle goes off, you’re going to be able to hear it from all over.”