The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Polar Express to recreate magic of film on train ride
T“It has been a short summer season since reopening
he Polar Express is making an Angus stop in a festive treat for visitors to Brechin’s Caledonian Railway.
Recreating the 2004 Warner Bros hit animation starring Tom Hanks, the train ride will whisk families away on an hourlong journey to meet Santa on the volunteer-run railway’s Brechin to Bridge of Dun line.
The Polar Express train ride carried more than 1.4 million passengers at 54 locations across the US, Canada and the UK in 2019.
But it is the first time the festive spectacle has come to Scotland.
Caley Railway bosses say they are thrilled to be bringing the family experience to Angus.
The railway has welcomed thousands of visitors since reopening in August after a pandemic shutdown.
It is the second biggest tourist draw in Angus behind Glamis Castle.
Railway chairman Jon Gill said: “It has been a short summer season for us since reopening.
“But we have still managed more than 5,000 passenger journeys.
“Although we were unable to run our normal Day Out with Thomas event, we did run Gin Bothy sloe train, afternoon tea and murder mystery special events which were a great success.
“Our focus now is on annual maintenance and preparation for Christmas.
“Hopefully this will be an engaging community event with a huge theatrical element and other exciting add-ons to complement the train journey and, of course, the visit of Santa.”
The first steam-hauled Polar Express will run from the Brechin station on November 27 and continue until December 19. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday.
The adventure comes to life when the train departs for a round-trip journey to the North Pole, led by a cast of talented actors.
The journey is set to the sounds of the film soundtrack.
Once on board, the conductor – Tom Hanks’ character in the Robert Zemeckis-directed animation - will work his way through the coach.
He will punch golden tickets as hot chocolate and cookies are served by dancing chefs.