Operation North Pole (ONP) is a volunteer-based public charity. ONP works with Chicagos major childrens hospitals, providing a day of fun and fantasy for families who have a child battling a life threatening illness by hosting a fantasy trip to the North Pole. The magical experience includes, breakfast, a festive train ride to the North Pole, a visit with Santa, winter wonderland fun, entertainment, treats, personal wish list gifts, and much more! It’s ONP’s goal to provide these families an unforgettable experience amidst very challenging times.

Each year ONP charters a special Metra train, designing special vinyl wraps that adorn both the outside and the insides of the cars. Each years’ design is unique, making each train a festive and colorful display. This train runs on the Union Pacific Northwest Line of the Chicago Metra commuter service, operating not only as a special charter train but remaining in service for a period after the Christmas Train event as rolling billboard to spread awareness of ONP and their goals.

Kato USA is proud to continue its tradition of offering models of these Operation North Pole Trains with the 2018 version, available exclusively direct from Kato USA as a special “custom painted” model! Professionally painted and decorated in a way to match the previous factory models, the 2018 release was available for pre-order during the month of October 2019 for end of December delivery – Kato USA is now taking orders for a 2nd batch of cars that will be available in February 2020!

Again, this special painted release of the 2018 ONP Christmas Train will be available exclusively from Kato USA directly!

Click for full size image	EMD F40PH #129, wrapped in the ONP logo with ONP’s motto emblazend on the side: “Spreading the Spirit of the Holidays to Children in Need”.
Click for full size image	The lead car of the consist is “Rosemont” – with a photo of clasped hands and the words “Making magical smiles and memories.” along with the words that embody ONP’s goals and are carried on each of the five cars – “No one fights alone.”
Click for full size image	“Allstate Arena” follows up Rosemont with the words “Delivering love, joy and happiness”. As with all of the other cars, special “North Pole” Police and Fire department logos adorn the sides of these cars on the main doors.
Click for full size image	The “Chicago Wolves” car is a new addition to Operation North Pole’s sponsors. Like Rosemont, it carries the message of “Making magical smiles and memories.” Each of the pictured individuals on each car is someone who has either ridden or been involved with Operation North Pole’s past trains.
Click for full size image	Returning sponsor “Donald E. Stephens Convention Center” is depicted upon the fourth car. Like the other cars, this car’s wrapping and imagery are meant to feature the real people whose lives are touched by this organization and this train.
Click for full size image	The Cab-Coach carries the logo of “Vitalant” – a returning sponsor despite the new name, previously sponsoring the “Lifesource” cars. Vitalant, as a blood donation bank, is especially important for those involved with the Operation North Pole trains for very obvious and clear reasons.