Gaylor Electric and Nickel Plate Express are ready for the holiday season, thanks to a string of 2,200 holiday lights.
A sponsor of the 2018 Reindeer Ride Express, Gaylor Electric donated and installed over 2,200 LED Christmas lights along the exterior of the Nickel Plate Express train. A team of 20 Gaylor volunteers that included employees, spouses and children decorated the train early in November. The Gaylor team returned to the train Tuesday to test the lights before the official lighting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 23. The LED Christmas lights adorn all four Santa Fe passenger cars, the F9 locomotive and boxcar.
“We are very honored to be a part of the lighting of the Reindeer Ride Express,” said Gaylor Electric Service Manager Kevin Scheid. “Our volunteers worked alongside Nickel Plate Express, stringing lights across the train to prepare it for the upcoming holiday season. We look forward to all the fun and joy that this project will bring to the community!”
The Gaylor Electric team began prepping for the festive undertaking in August, before the historic equipment had even arrived in Hamilton County. The electrical contractor utilized diagrams of the train to determine light placement, quantity and wattage. The Gaylor Electric team has extensive experience installing all types of lighting, but this was their first time installing holiday lighting on a train. By prepping and testing the lighting in their prefabrication shop, Gaylor reduced time spent working outside and ensured the safety of the installation team.
“I am confident our illuminated train will be a gorgeous sight as it rolls through northern Hamilton County this season,” said Nickel Plate Express Executive Director Deanna Holt. “Gaylor Electric has been incredible to work with. They have been prepared and professional every step of the way. We are grateful for their sponsorship.”
Passengers can see the Nickel Plate Express lit up for the first time on Friday, Nov. 23, during the Reindeer Ride Express. The train lighting ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the gazebo in downtown Atlanta.
Tickets for the Nov. 23 Reindeer Ride Express, which includes the train lighting ceremony and live reindeer, can be purchased at NickelPlateExpress.com. The Reindeer Ride Express will run from Nov. 23 to Dec. 23, with all tickets available at NickelPlateExpress.com.
About the Nickel Plate Express
The Nickel Plate Express is managed by nonprofit Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad Inc. The organization provides themed, year-round train excursions in northern Hamilton County. Nickel Plate Express seeks to educate and entertain all ages through moving historical experiences.