NEWS





National Railroad Passenger Corporation
Amtrak Intercity
210 South Canal Street
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Fax: 312 655-2565


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE				            ATK-96-26
February 9, 1996						            Contact: Marc Magliari 
								            312 655-1338
					        									
THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE (TM) AT FREE AMTRAK EVENT FOR FAMILIES
AT CHICAGO UNION STATION FROM 11 a.m. UNTIL 2 p.m. ON FEBRUARY 19. 

	CHICAGO -- Two of the biggest names in rail travel,  Amtrak and the PBS children's series "Shining Time Station(TM)," are together to launch a new vacation planning concept.  Thomas the Tank Engine will break through a ribbon to open the Amtrak Vacation Station at 11 a.m. on Feb. 19 in the Great Hall at Chicago Union Station.
	After a brief ceremony at 11:15 a.m., the beloved engine will be available to meet kids and their parents, distribute helium balloons and coloring sheets until 2 p.m.  Parents and grandparents will also receive a free gift and enter a drawing for a free Amtrak vacation (no purchase necessary).
	Because Monday, Feb. 19, is the federal President's Day holiday, a larger-than-usual number of parents and grandparents should be able to attend.
	The event will serve as the grand opening for Amtrak Vacation Station, where representatives of Amtrak Great American Vacations will offer information, design and book vacation packages. The setting is relaxed and comfortable, modeled after the interior of Amtrak rail passenger cars.
	If this prototype Amtrak Vacation Station is successful, the company will open more Vacation Stations in other major U.S. cities.
	Amtrak is a national underwriter of  "Shining Time Station Primetime Family Specials" on public TV.  "Shining Time Station" is a trademark of Quality Family Entertainment, Inc..   
NOTE TO NEWS MEDIA: BOTH "THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE" AND HIS ENGINEER WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PHOTOS.