St. Paul Union Depot Train Day, May 6, to Feature Model Railroads, Historic Railcars, Educational Presentations & More

Northern Pacific Railway No. 1102 Accepting Mail for Railway Post Office Cancellation

SAINT PAUL, Minn. (April 5, 2017) – Union Depot in St. Paul will be the site of a celebration of train and transportation traditions during Train Day on Saturday, May 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Train Day will give attendees a look back at the history of trains and highlight the current role of railroads with a wide variety of free transportation-inspired activities. The event will include train equipment, historic railcars, movie showings, presentations and other special events.

Train enthusiasts of all ages will be able to take in the sights of life-size locomotives and railcars on display at Union Depot including: Union Pacific and Twin Cities & Western locomotives, the Great Northern Railway “Hustle Muscle,” the Northern Pacific Railway Post Office Car No. 1102 and historic railroad motor (speeder) cars.

Hustle Muscle, credit Gary Nelson

For the first time in 40 years, the Northern Pacific Railway Post Office Car No. 1102 will be accepting mail for Railway Post Office cancellation. Special envelopes will be available for purchase and representatives from the United States Postal Service will be on hand to commemorate this unique event.

In addition, modelers Minnesota Free Mo and Twin City Model Railroad Museum will showcase miniature train sets.

New this year, Jefferson Lines will be hosting a bus “open house,” giving Train Day attendees an opportunity to tour a Jefferson Lines coach bus and ask questions about riding the road. In addition, Hertz will have a 4-wheel representative from their “Hertz Adrenaline Collection” on display.

The Red Cap Room, named for the famous station porters who welcomed travelers to Union Depot for nearly 90 years, will be the location for a series of railroad-related presentations. David Thompson, freelance writer and Railway Post Office historian, will offer a look back at the history of mail by rail, America’s first information highway. Other educational sessions include Peter A. Briggs sharing a personal history of a career in railroad public relations and communication and Kevin P. Keefe presenting "Wallace W. Abbey, His Life and Photography," in conjunction with the Center for Railroad Photography & Art.

Many favorite, returning activities such as the locomotive simulator along with brand new exhibits will provide a full day of fun. Vendors selling a wide variety of railroad-themed books, photographs, paintings, model railroad supplies and train memorabilia will also be available.

The current list of exhibitors includes:

• All Aboard Minnesota
• Amtrak
• Bruce Gustafson - HO scale trains, railroad memorabilia, Union Depot items, custom matted pictures
• Charles McCreary - railroad photos, books and memorabilia
• Friends of the 261
• Great Northern Railway Historical Society
• Hertz
• Jefferson Lines
• Jim Matuska Railroad Art
• Ladysmith, WI Rail Display - railroad clothing
• METRO Blue Line Extension Project
• Minnesota Department of Transportation - Passenger Rail Office
• Minnesota Operation Lifesaver, Inc.
• Minnesota Streetcar Museum
• Minnesota Transportation Museum
• National Park Service Mississippi River & National Recreation Area
• Northern Lights Express
• North Shore Scenic Railroad
• Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority
• Raptor Center
• Riverview Corridor
• Rush Line Corridor
• Southwest LRT
• Trains magazine
• United States Postal Service
• Yard Goat Images

Train Day attendees will be able to download free Metro Transit ride passes to enjoy the ride to Union Depot on the Green Line or Metro Transit buses. Visitors can also enjoy a free ride on a vintage bus transfer between Union Depot, Minnesota Transportation Museum, Twin City Model Railroad Museum and James J. Hill Center.

For more information about Union Depot Train Day, visit http://www.uniondepot.org/traindays/.