Many people assume that the conductor drives the Polar Express train, but in fact, it’s operated by Smokey and Steamer, twin brothers who serve as the fireman and engineer. However, they’re not the only ones who get to drive the magical train in this adventure.
During a close call with Flat Top Tunnel, we’re introduced to the locomotive’s control room, where we find Hero Girl at the controls. Smokey and Steamer have assigned her the task of driving the train, and despite their comical attempt to replace the headlamp, she proves herself capable by quickly teaching Hero Boy how to operate the train.
After fixing the headlamp, the twins spot a herd of caribou on the tracks and shout to the locomotive to stop the train to avoid disaster. Hero Boy manages to pull the brake lever just in time, but not before Steamer comes face-to-face with a caribou on the track.
After they clear the tracks by yanking on Smokey’s beard, the twins get the Polar Express moving again and continue to play a significant role in the film. Their mishaps and antics lead to the intense and captivating Glacier Gulch and Icy Lake sequences.
Originally voiced by Michael Jeter, the twins’ characters had to be rerecorded by André Sogliuzzo when Jeter passed away during the film’s production. However, Michael’s original voice can still be heard when Steamer speaks and yells in the caribou scene.