The annual holiday train visited Menlo Park station on its journey south from San Francisco.
Caltrain still uses classic/vintage equipment. Diesel locomotive 921 (San Martin), two gallery cars,
two flatbeds, and a caboose make up the consist. Electric passenger trains use crossovers to the northbound
track when they serve the station. Santa Claus and many companions walked the length of the train greeting
families and obliging them with selfies and poses with children. All units in the train are decorated on
both sides with many festive light sculptures. A dancer and singers use the first flatbed to perform, while
the second flatbed carries the generator powering the lights. Upon departure, Santa appears on the
caboose rear platform waving goodbye. I believe the children and adults go home
happy after visiting the train.
The meal preceding the station visit is the new Kirk's Steakburgers location on Middlefield Rd.
in Palo Alto.
