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Story By Megan Middleton
Staff Writer

That positive-thinking train, The Little Engine That Could, will visit the Palestine Depot of the Texas State Railroad through Sunday, marking the first time she's visited Texas.

The three-day event, which began Friday, includes a 30-minute train ride featuring a life-size replica locomotive, a chance to meet characters from the book such as the teddy bear and baby elephant as well as live music entertainment, games and activities.

This is the fourth year of "The Little Engine That Could - I Think I Can" rail tour which has visited different tourist railroads around the country, said Jon Schlegel, vice president/general manager of Rail Events Inc., a licensing company and subsidiary of American Heritage Railways.

American Heritage operates the Texas State Railroad.

Schlegel said the replica locomotive is based on the classic children's book written by Watty Piper in the 1930s.

"It really focuses on the power of positive thinking and perseverance," he said. "That's the message that underlies the whole event."

The life-size replica is patterned after the original illustrations from the book.

"Not only does she have a smoke stack that smokes and a bell that rings and a whistle that blows, but a voice as well," Schlegel said. "When the train leaves the depot, she says, 'I think I can. I think I can.' All the children on board, with the help of the car attendants, are starting a chant to get the train moving ... The kids get into it."

On board the train, the story is read aloud.

And when the train returns to the depot, the engine voice says, "I thought I could. I thought I could."

At the depot, activities will include carnival-type games, book readings, coloring, bounce houses, a petting zoo as well as food vendors.

Schlegel said the gift shop will have "The Little Engine That Could" merchandise available and Operation Lifesaver will be on site so children can learn about railroad safety.

"It's more than just coming and riding a train," he said.

Officials said "The Little Engine That Could" event is different than the Thomas the Tank event, which took place at the Rusk Depot of the Texas State Railroad in October.

"With Thomas the Tank Engine, it's kids that know Thomas because it's on T.V., it's in the movies ... they're teaching their parents about it," Schlegel said. "This is a story where it's really grandma and grandpa that are introducing the Little Engine to this generation ... We really don't compare ourselves to Thomas. We're a smaller more intimate type of event."

Lori Kastrop, marketing manager for the Texas State Railroad, also said this event has different activities and games than the Thomas the Tank event.

Ms. Kastrop said about 1,000 people are expected to attend over the three days.

"It's a neat activity for families to enjoy," she said. "They can spend the whole day out here and just enjoy all the activities and events that we're having. It's a positive, family-oriented event."

SCHEDULE

On Saturday the train runs at 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.

On Sunday the train runs at 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.

Tickets are $16 per person ages two and older.

For more information call the Texas State Railroad at 1-888-987-2461 or for more information visit www.TexasStateRR.com or www.TheLittleEngineThatCouldTour.com.