NS 3010, the usual power for the Morristown and Erie's Toys for Tots train had suffered mechanical issues on its way back from the NYS&W Toys for Tots train which rendered it unusable for the following days train. This yielded two unique photographic opportunities, the first of which was the M&E Toys for Tots train operating with an M&E unit (as opposed to 3010) and the second was the chance to see the Maine Eastern FL9 leading the Whippany Santa trains. The FL9 did not power the train, it simply served as a cab car for the crew on the West end, but offered a very rare opportunity to see the engine leading a train in New Jersey before being sent back to Maine after the M&E repaired the locomotive. Here we see the train making its way back to Whippany as they cross the Algonquin Parkway.
