Santa powered by steam at State Railroad Museum

The choo-choo at the Nevada State Railroad Museum and Santa Claus enjoyed a rendezvous with kids of all ages Saturday, an event that repeats today and in mid-December.The museum’s steam train pulled by V&T Railway locomotive No. 25 loaded up passengers for family-friendly outings between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., among the group an all-eyes toddler named Jason Bradshaw.“It’s his first time on the train,” said his grandfather, Gary Gardarian of Carson City. “We’ve been to the museum, but it’s our first time on the train.”He was referring to his wife, Mary, and Jason’s parents, Jeff and Amy Bradshaw, all Carson City residents.Boarding another rail passenger car at the Wabuska Depot, and awaiting the trek around the museum grounds, were Leigh Mayers, 7, and her brother, Blake, who is 5.They were with their parents, Justin and Alicia Mayers, who also said it was the family’s first trek on the Santa Train. The family is from Washoe Valley.Outside, while they awaited boarding, kids saw Santa and others in railroading clothes topped by seasonal hats of one sort or another. Among those volunteers and Friends of the Railroad Museum was Bill Jenks of Minden, who said this wasn’t his first time working the Santa Train gig.“It’s been kind of slow today,” he said, noting the brisk morning and threat of rain that was still in abeyance about 1 p.m.He said he also volunteers on occasion at the museum working the annex, the museum store, or taking admissions at the front desk.The Santa Train runs continuously throughout each day, once passengers have boarded, no matter the weather. Tickets are $3 per seat, but small kids can sit on someone’s lap for free.The holiday season event continues for the same hours not only today, but also on the weekend of Dec. 15-16.