The train was stored inside a trailer, which was also stolen from a parking lot sometime overnight, or on Sunday morning.
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The electric train has been used at events all over the Bay Area, including carnivals, school events, and art and wine festivals.
It was rented out for the Bayview-hunter's Point Summer Festival Sunday, but when the owners went to pick it up it was gone.
"Why would you take a train that brings pleasure to thousands of kids? What's in it for you? You can't really sell it? It kind of sticks out if you try to drive it anywhere. It only goes 10 miles an hour," Fun and Game Experts owner Eric Sossamon said.
Police are stumped, and there are no witnesses or leads.
"I don't think I've ever seen a train, especially of this value taken, not even trailers taken, it's a little bit unusual," Sergeant Janayla Pierson with the Pleasant Hill Police Department said.
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The family started their interactive game company 26 years ago, and says this is a huge blow to their business, and the communities that enjoy the train.
The show still did go on at the Bayview carnival.
One of the vendors donated this smaller train for the event. It only fits about half the people - but visitors say they enjoyed the ride. They were shocked to learn the larger train was stolen and said "shame on you" to whoever is responsible.
Police want anyone with information to contact them.
The family is sharing pictures and information on social media to try and get the word out, and get the train back where it belongs.