Metro Jacksonville

I just received this email from an amtrak engineer.  I don't know if I can make it tomorrow but others on MJ may be able.

QuoteDear. Mr. Davis the disney train with two amtrak engines will be at amtrak station for about ten mins tomorrow at approx. noon, then ahead to Miami via fec railroad. Will be looking forward to seeing you when we pass jax terminal station.

What's the Disney Train?

Not sure.  I figured someone here would know more about it.

A Christmas Carol Promo / Train Tour - Pretty cool:

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/christmascaroltraintour/

(http://www.themetrains.com/images/disney_and_friends_trains/schannuth_christmas_carol_train_disney_04.jpg)

According to their web site, it will be back at the Amtrak station in Jax for a full day, 9 AM to 7 PM, on October 20th.  So don't fret Lake, if you miss it tomorrow.

Ugh, let us get through Halloween first.

I'll be out in Bayard waiting for this to go tomorrow then.

Some excerpts from the press release.  I hope Ock doesn't stand out among the kids too much on this one! :D

QuoteAmong the highlights of the tour are authentic artifacts on loan from the Charles Dickens Museum of
London; artwork, costumes and props from the film; demonstrations of performance capture technology; and a chance to morph your face into one of the film’s characters using HP TouchSmart PCs. At each stop along the way, a state-of-the-art Disney Digital 3D Theatre will be erected, where guests can get a sneak peek of “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” and see other exclusive behind-the-scenes materials from the movie.

Featuring four custom-designed vintage rail cars full of behind-the-scenes attractions, entertaining
demonstrations, and fun activities, the tour will have its inaugural stop at Los Angeles’ Union Station over Memorial Day Weekend ...

At every tour stop, Radio Disney will invite kids to enter for a chance to become a Movie Surfer
representing their hometown. Each Hometown Movie Surfer will get a chance to appear on Disney
Channel by filming their very own Movie Surfer’s segment! They’ll also receive a prize package of
exclusive Movie Surfer and "Disney’s A Christmas Carol” gear.

Amtrak locomotives and engineers will lead the four-car Train Tour (plus a private car), across the US, with stops ranging from 1-3 days along the way. Each train station will be themed with holiday decorations, and feature artwork from the film, Christmas Carolers, fun activities for the entire family, and snow!

“Rail travel continues to influence the way people connect with each other and celebrating the release of a true classic is a perfect way to further that connection,” said Emmett Fremaux, Vice President Marketing and Product Management, Amtrak. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be teaming up with Walt Disney Studios for this 40 city tour to help educate Americans about the benefit of rail travel.”

ABC television stations across the country will run local promotions. At each stop, guests will have the chance to win an HP TouchSmart PC and an HP Photosmart wireless printer. Additionally, Disney is working with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America organization to provide an early Christmas experience to kids across the country.

Well the PR value is priceless for sure! Right now I will take just about anything to get some "Rail" enthusiasm even something from the Mouse! As long as Ock doesn't wear his platform sneakers he should do all right?

QuoteIt may not even be Halloween yet, but Disney wants to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. It’s “A Christmas Carol Train Tour” will pull into the Jacksonville Amtrak Station Tuesday and be the centerpiece of a celebration of the film from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. The free event will include a 3D sneak peak of the film set to open Nov. 6 and will be shown in a special theater erected at each of the 40 stops on the tour. Highlights of the tour are authentic artifacts on loan from the Charles Dickens Museum of London; artwork, costumes and props from the film; demonstrations of performance capture technology; and a chance to morph your face into one of the film’s characters using HP TouchSmart PCs.

From the Jax Daily record, put out by Mayoral candidate Jim Bailey.

ReedNavy if you are at Bayard tomorrow you will have missed it by a full day. I caught the train at Amtrak this afternoon and got some nice video and stills that I will share with MJ soon as I can get them edited. The train left Amtrak at 12:45 today (wednesday) for Bowden Yard. Then left there at 2:30pm for Miami. FEC is using once of its SD40's to lead, not one of their nice new SD70's.
JB

Wow, a thread about a train and not one post from Ock?  Is he feeling OK?  :(

Reminder - Disney's Train with (2) Genesis locomotives will be in Jacksonville tomorrow, Oct 20, from 9 AM to 7 PM, up at the Amtrak Station: Jacksonville Amtrak Station, 3570 Clifford Lane, Jacksonville, FL 32209