By John Nelson
The potential that the soon-to-arrive Polar Express offers Batesville is truly phenomenal, and it’s interesting to hear how the town folk are thinking up clever ways to capitalize off the influx of visitors.

As the operator of the county’s only short line narrow gauge railroad, I have to confess that I’ve done some thinking about siphoning off some of these riders to Nelson Mills Railroad.  My line is short, and Marie is barely eight tons soaking wet – that is with water in her boiler and tank – but she’s a steam locomotive, and rail fans prefer steam.

I believe this preference stems not only from the historic allure, but also the fact that steamers have such human-like characteristics.  They consume their fuel, and drink water, and make those wonderful hissing and puffing noises that sound like breathing.  And at her advanced age, Marie has added some creaky arthritic sounds to her repertoire.

And don’t forget the smells.  The fragrance of wood smoke and cylinder oil emanating from Marie on a crisp morning can’t be duplicated by a stinky old diesel.

Marie’s appeal could even get an extra boost from the news given to me lately by one of my steam buddies.  His research indicates that though there are a number on static display, Marie might be the only operational steam locomotive in the state.

So holiday rail fans might opt to skip the Batesville Square and come on out to Chapeltown to ride on Mississippi’s only steam railroad whose short but scenic route just happens to pass one of the few remaining steam-operated saw and grist mills in the state.  Just picture the mill being operated by elves sawing stock for wooden toys, and a stop there would allow riders to purchase sacks of corn meal and whole wheat flour.

I could even set up one of the gristmills to produce cracked corn that kids could buy to put out on Christmas Eve for the reindeer.  Santa has gotten fat off milk and cookies, and it’s time to start thinking about some nourishment for those over-worked sleigh-pullers.

My railroad could be extended into a secluded hollow to enter a permanent village constructed to resemble Santa’s headquarters.  And I might consider leaking the news that only a narrow gauge engine is capable of snaking its way into the North Pole where a mainline locomotive could never venture.  Actually, I think everyone knows that already.

With the steady flow of traffic along Chapeltown road, Jimmy Roberson and Scot Elmore will soon be selling pumpkins, apples, and winter vegetables from roadside stands.  And Billy and Kathy Elmore are likely to establish a second Flower Company near their home where poinsettias and holiday arrangements will be available.

I hear that Sonny Simmons might be moving out this way, and with some encouragement, I’m sure he would be willing to jump ship from Panola Partnership to head up the Chapeltown Development Authority. He could work at making Chapeltown a year round attraction, get us all grants to spruce up the community, and mount a campaign to regain the post office we lost in 1907.

Marie and I were hatching some pretty big plans before reality set in this week.  At 102, keeping up a rigid schedule over a longer run might be too much for her.  And at 72, I’m beginning to echo some of her arthritic creaks and groans.

Instead of competing with Batesville and the Polar Express,  I think that we’ll just provide them with an opening act.  We’ll schedule a few preseason runs to get people in the holiday spirit. We might be able to get kids excited enough to consider riding a stinky old mainline diesel.