We went to BNSF's yard in Vancouver Friday evening Dec 12, then on Saturday the 13th, moved down to the terminal headquarters for their annual holiday celebration. The BNSF Santa Claus arrived in the 700, and went into their tent for the visits with BNSF employee's children.

BNSF had a diesel in place for cab tours. When the 700 arrives, it will be nose to nose with the diesel. Photo by Matt Baccitich.

The crowd watches as the 700 approaches from the north end of the yard. Photo by Matt Baccitich.

Photo by Matt Baccitich.

Photo by Matt Baccitich.

The consist was the 700 and tender, crew car, and a caboose. This photo was taken from the cupola of the caboose as we pulled in. Photo by David Thompson.

After the 700 stopped, Santa alighted from his steam-powered sleigh. Photo by Jim Vanderbeck.

Then Santa went into the tent, where he began receiving the children of BNSF employees. Photo by David Thompson.

Photo by David Thompson.

Photo by David Thompson.

PRPA Concessions Manager Patsy Kimzey on the right (Santa hat) in the concessions trailer, assisted by Liz Lippert. Photo by David Thompson.

Both BNSF and PRPA collected toys to pass on to the "Toys for Tots" toy drive sponsored by the U.S. Marines. Photo by David Thompson.

The caboose tour was very popular, partly because cabooses are not common and partly because the stove kept it warm inside. Here a young man tries out a seat in the cupola. Photo by David Thompson.

Washington State Operation Livesaver. Photo by Matt Baccitich.

Departure. After backing onto the main, the 700 comes by. Photo by Jim Vanderbeck.

Departure. Photo by Jim Vanderbeck.

Departure. Photo by Steve Sedaker.

Departure. Photo by Jim Vanderbeck.

On the return to Brooklyn, we paused about 15 minutes in Portland's Union Station. That location is the change between BNSF and UP control. Photo by Matt Baccitich.