Kids may be amazed by the heartwarming wonder of traveling to Santa’s North Pole in a fleet passenger train. But we practical adults know the less fantastic truth: The only trains to reach those frigid parts are the ones that transport year round the enormous amount of supplies needed by Santa Claus to prepare for his punctual delivery of presents every December 25th.

In this case the huge volume of freight was hauled by a Union Pacific type, nicknamed a “Nine” for being numbered in the 9000 series. Built by ALCO between 1926 and 1930, these 4-12-2s were the largest locomotives with a rigid frame. To obtain greater power from a non-articulated engine, ALCO provided the use of a third cylinder, which was located below the smoke box between the two outside cylinders and drove a cranked axle.

The holy, jolly old man would usually drive his grand Chrysler woody to the NP depot well in advance to the train’s appearance, alerted by the characteristic off-cadence triple chug that heralded the Nine’s arrival from afar.

Used by R&T for their 2010-11 Christmas card, “Santa’s supply train” is here available in print, as a gift idea for the holiday season.